Although it has only been a few months since the release of iOS 26, we are already hearing rumors about the next generation of iOS, iOS 27. iOS 27 will be unveiled at WWDC 2026 in June, before being released in September 2026.
See also: iOS 27: Quality improvements and new AI features
We don't know all the details about iOS 27 yet, but we do have some information about what to expect.
“Snow Leopard update“
iOS 27 appears to focus on bug fixes and behind-the-scenes improvements to boost performance, rather than new features. It has been referred to as the “Snow Leopard” update because it was a version of macOS that Apple had said had “zero new features” as it focused on fixing existing software.
iPhone 11 Pro Max
In 2026, Apple plans to launch its first foldable iPhone, a device rumored to be called the iPhone Fold. The iPhone Fold is expected to have a display measuring about 5.4 inches when folded and about 7.7 inches when opened like a book. It will be shorter and wider than other foldables on the market, with a 4:3 aspect ratio. At about 5.4 inches when closed, the iPhone Fold's external display will be the smallest we've seen since the iPhone 13 mini.
With Apple returning to a smaller screen while also introducing a 7.7-inch display that's larger than any iPhone display to date, we're going to need some updates to iOS. iOS 27 will focus on introducing new interfaces and experiences for a larger screen and a screen that switches between multiple sizes.
Liquid Glass
iOS 27 will likely include improvements to the Liquid Glass design that Apple introduced with iOS 26. Some changes have already been made in the iOS 26.1 and iOS 26.2 updates, but iOS 27 will give Apple the opportunity to make larger adjustments to respond to customer feedback.
Apple Intelligence
We're going to get the much smarter version of Siri in an iOS 26.4 update scheduled for spring 2026, but it's likely that even more Apple Intelligence features will follow in iOS 27. We don't know for sure yet, but several existing Apple Intelligence features could be extended to additional apps.
Apple is also working on a Siri “Universal Knowledge” search feature that will provide insights for general searches, which will likely be included in the iOS 26.4 Siri update. If it’s not in iOS 26.4, the additional Siri feature could come in iOS 27.
Siri
With iOS 27, Apple could update Siri’s design. Siri will get its big upgrade in iOS 26.4, but a new visual design is rumored to be in the works for iOS 27. There’s no concrete information on what the redesign might include, but rumors suggest the company could introduce a version of Siri that looks similar to the Mac Finder. This more animated version of Siri could also be coming to the iPhone and iPad, and we could see it first in iOS 27.
See also: iOS 26 bug causes red filter to appear in photos
Health+
Apple is developing a subscription service Health+ with diet planning and medical recommendations, and we could see it introduced as part of iOS 27. The medical tool will explain different health metrics and trends from the Health app, offering personalized guidance for improving health.
New Satellite Features
Apple is working on several new satellite features for the iPhone, and it's possible that some features could be introduced as early as iOS 27. The timing of Apple's satellite improvements is unclear, however, and behind-the-scenes updates are required from Apple's satellite partner, Globalstar.
Rumored features:
– Apple Maps via satellite
– Photos in Satellite Messages
– Satellite API framework for third-party applications
– Satellite connection via 5G
– Satellite connectivity without the need to see the sky
Some of these features may require new hardware, but options like Apple Maps via satellite won't require components beyond what's available now.
See also: iOS 26.3 Beta: What's new so far
Release Date
New versions of iOS, macOS and other Apple software platforms will be unveiled in June at WWDC before being released in September, just before the launch of new iPhone models.
