iOS 27: All the Rumors About Apple's Next Big iPhone Software Update

[MacRumors]

It's only been two months since iOS 26 launched, but rumors don't take breaks. We're already hearing details about the next-generation iOS 27 update, which Apple will introduce in June 2026 before launching it in September 2026.

We've rounded up all of the rumors that we've heard so far.

Foldable Features

In 2026, Apple plans to launch the first foldable iPhone, a device that could be called the iPhone Fold. Rumors suggest that it will feature a 5.5-inch display when folded, and a 7.8-inch display when it's opened up like a book.

An iPhone with a larger display that also folds will require some major updates to iOS, and iOS 27 will focus on building new interfaces and experiences made for a larger display.

We haven't heard specifics on how Apple will tweak iOS to accommodate the iPhone Fold, but we could see some iPad-like options such as side bars and perhaps even multitasking views with support for multiple windows.

Bug Fixes

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has described iOS 27 as a "Snow Leopard" update, suggesting that Apple will focus on improving underlying performance and quality rather than introducing major new functionality. Apple engineers are reportedly going through iOS 26 to look for bloat, bugs, and any other issues impacting performance.

Liquid Glass

iOS 27 might include refinements for the Liquid Glass design that Apple introduced with iOS 26. There have already been some changes in the iOS 26.1 and iOS 26.2 updates, but iOS 27 will provide Apple with the opportunity to make larger adjustments.

Apple Intelligence

We're supposed to get the much smarter version of Siri in an iOS 26.4 update planned for spring 2026, but it's likely even more Apple Intelligence capabilities will follow in iOS 27.

We don't know specifics yet, but Apple Intelligence features could expand to additional apps.

Apple is working on a "World Knowledge" Siri search feature that would provide information on general search queries, which will likely be included in Siri's iOS 26.4 update. If it's not in iOS 26.4, the add-on Siri feature could instead come in iOS 27.

Siri

With iOS 27, Apple could update Siri's design. Siri will get its major overhaul in iOS 26.4, but a new visual look is supposedly planned for iOS 27. There are no specifics about what the redesign might entail, but rumors linked to Apple's upcoming tabletop robot suggest that the company might introduce a version of Siri that's more animated, similar to the Mac Finder logo. That more animated version of Siri could also come to the iPhone and iPad.

Health+

Apple is rumored to be developing a paid Health+ service with nutrition planning and medical suggestions, and we could see that introduced as part of iOS 27.

The medical tool would explain different health metrics and trends from the Health app, offering up personalized guidance for health improvement.

New Satellite Features

Apple is working on several new satellite features for the iPhone, and it's possible some features could be introduced as soon as 2027. Timing on Apple's satellite improvements is unclear, though, and behind-the-scenes updates from Apple's satellite partner Globalstar are required.
Rumored features:

• Apple Maps via satellite
• Photos in Messages via satellite
• Satellite API framework for third-party apps
• Satellite over 5G
• Satellite connectivity without the need for a view of the sky

Some of these features might require new hardware, but options like Apple Maps via satellite would not require components beyond what's available now.

Launch Date

New versions of iOS, macOS, and Apple's other software platforms will be previewed in June at WWDC before launching in September just ahead of when new iPhone models come out.

Article Link: iOS 27: All the Rumors About Apple's Next Big iPhone Software Update

 

[sniffies]

Apparently, the internal codename for iOS 27 is fix_the_whole_damn_iOS_26_mess release.

 

[IIGS User]

The biggest feature should be “it just works”

Skip new features and interfaces and satellite gimmicks and fall back on making something that works with a minimum amount of bugs and issues. Function should be the priority right now.

 

[now i see it]

"Apple is rumored to be developing a paid Health+ service with nutrition planning and medical suggestions, and we could see that introduced as part of iOS 27."

Let me guess.. powered by a.i.

 

[DBZmusicboy01]

iOS 26 has been an abomination. It has made the iPhone 17 Pro run worse than iPhone 11 on iOS 18. It refreshes as much as the XS Max does on iOS 18 and way too many issues of all kinds. Not acceptable 2 months after release to be running this poorly on a new Pro iPhone with 12GB of RAM.

 

[julesme]

It’s really saying something that one of the first (rumored) features is “bug fixes.”

 

[ricketysquire]

All I want.

 

[kalakana]

Now that last half a year AI tools analyze, refactor and generate such a good code, there are no excuses to create buggy or underperforming software.

 

[applefan8254]

Can we get the apple watch app for iPad to activate, manage and sync apple watch from iPad? Thank you

 

[segfaultdotorg]

They’re going to introduce the iTalk app so you can use the iPhone to make voice calls.

 

[skiguy45]

They just need to kill liquid glass.

It's a poorly conceived mess.

 

[indefinite]

What would differentiate Health+ from an app that uses HealthKit and Apple Foundation Models Framework to provide AI-powered health guidance?

 

[andrewxgx]

View attachment 2582722

All I want.

all i want is Bertrant Serlet back on stage making fun of MS

 

[bmark]

iOS 27 looking to be the most boring iOS update around! What a great way to close out the Tim Cook era.

 

[bLackjackj]

Let me guess.. powered by a.i.

You mean powered by Gemini

 

[diblasio]

Can’t wait! I love Liquid Glass. I could do without the search bar relocation (some apps still have it up top and others do not which makes it hard to get use to). Other than that I’m happy as a clam!

 

[velemar1]

I am running and loving iOS 18, iPad OS 18, and Sequoia

 

[Fraserpatty]

If by chance an animation is decided upon for Siri I hope we get a choice of animations like we get a choice of voices.

 

[KillerScoregasm]

Phones feel so dated these days.

 

[CoMoMacUser]

If it's foldable, then obviously it has to be a software upgrade. Firmware would break.

 

[imagineadam]

iOS 26 has been an abomination. It has made the iPhone 17 Pro run worse than iPhone 11 on iOS 18. It refreshes as much as the XS Max does on iOS 18 and way too many issues of all kinds. Not acceptable 2 months after release to be running this poorly on a new Pro iPhone with 12GB of RAM.

I don’t get how they have screwed up ram management so much. I spent almost 3 years on iOS 16 with my 14 pro and the ram management was awesome. Then like a fool I updated to iOS 18 in August of this year because some of my apps were losing support and poor ram management was the first thing I noticed!

I’m now on a 17 pro on iOS 26.1 and have double the ram yet at times I feel it’s still refreshing more often than my 14 pro with its original iOS 16! I really thought double the ram would fix this problem but it appears their optimization has fallen to the wayside and something is really wrong or iOS has just become so bloated. Really hoping future updates of iOS 26 help the ram management. This phone is lightning fast but it’s really annoying still having so many refreshes.

 

[rotvaldi]

Hope Cook clean iOS 26 before he leaves 🧻

 

[Scooby_Snacks]

This is just part of list of problems with the hot mess that is iOS 26:

• Rapid battery drain, with devices losing charge much faster than before, sometimes up to 30% faster depletion.
• Frequent overheating, especially during 5G use or gaming, causing devices to become uncomfortably hot.
• UI jitteriness, choppy scrolling, translucency artifacts, and overall sluggish, laggy animations.
• App crashes and freezes affecting core apps like Photos, Messages, CarPlay, and others.
• Connectivity drops involving Wi-Fi and Bluetooth instability, leading to frequent disconnections.
• Major, major problems with CarPlay including phone calls failing, apps freezing, stereo shutting down, control buttons not working, and multiple active call glitches.
• Much dislike and criticism that the “Liquid Glass” aesthetic and animations make the interface look flashy but less usable, less readable, and more intrusive visually.
• Lock and home screen customization features are buggy or not working properly.
• Old keyboard removed or changed, with many users demanding the old keyboard back - the new keyboard is terrible.
• Redesigned Safari browser is considered cumbersome and frustrating by several users.
• The design philosophy of moving all search bars to the bottom of the screen is counter intuitive and confusing many users.
• Confusing changes in passcode, face or fingerprint unlock, and security settings that frustrate longtime users.
• Hidden or moved settings (e.g., focus modes, automation, notification customization) causing confusion and difficulty for users.
• Many, many users report the update feels like a buggy, incomplete, and rushed release, leading to frustration over stability and usability.
• Compatibility issues causing third-party apps to crash or perform slowly.
• Inability to downgrade from iOS 26 due to compatibility restrictions, trapping users with this problematic version.

iOS 26 is the worst update Apple has ever released, it's a complete disaster, and the only feature for iOS 27 should be to fix all of these problems and UI/UX blunders to get users back to what was a great and mature iOS 18. Honestly, they should just release. I never in a million years would have considered Android until now.

 

[HMI]

Now that last half a year AI tools analyze, refactor and generate such a good code, there are no excuses to create buggy or underperforming software.

Is that another way of telling companies that “you get what you pay for?”

 

[CoMoMacUser]

This is just part of list of problems with the hot mess that is iOS 26:

• Rapid battery drain, with devices losing charge much faster than before, sometimes up to 30% faster depletion.
• Frequent overheating, especially during 5G use or gaming, causing devices to become uncomfortably hot.
• UI jitteriness, choppy scrolling, translucency artifacts, and overall sluggish, laggy animations.
• App crashes and freezes affecting core apps like Photos, Messages, CarPlay, and others.
• Connectivity drops involving Wi-Fi and Bluetooth instability, leading to frequent disconnections.
• Major, major problems with CarPlay including phone calls failing, apps freezing, stereo shutting down, control buttons not working, and multiple active call glitches.
• Compatibility issues causing third-party apps to crash or perform slowly.

I haven't experienced any of those on my 15PM. What are you using?