Apple is set to revolutionize the photography experience by offering more customization to the Camera app the for first time in iOS 27. According to Bloomberg ’s Mark Gurman , users will be able to choose their own controls , known as widgets , that will appear at the top of the interface. The change represents a radical overhaul of Apple ’s design philosophy , which has traditionally favored pre-defined interfaces over user customization.
The new feature retains the default widgets from the current version, but allows users to switch to an “advanced” array of options or create their own layout. Users will have access to a new “ Add Widgets ” section, with widgets divided into three categories: basic, manual , and settings . Each capture mode in the Camera app will have its own set of customizable controls. This approach ensures that both novice and experienced photographers will find the interface that suits their needs, without losing the simplicity that characterizes Apple products .
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The move comes in response to competitive pressures, as Android, particularly the Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel, have been offering more customization options in their camera apps for years. Apple appears to recognize that a “one-size-fits-all” approach no longer meets the needs of users, especially photographers seeking professional control. The mobile photography market has matured significantly over the past decade, with consumers increasingly seeking advanced features traditionally found only in professional cameras.
New Siri and Apple Intelligence feature in iOS 27
Beyond customization, the Camera app in iOS 27 will introduce a new “ Siri ” feature that will leverage Apple’s Visual Intelligence capabilities . This feature will allow users to scan food labels to record nutritional information in the Health app , convert business cards into contacts, and create digital tickets in Wallet . Integrating artificial intelligence into the heart of the photography experience represents a strategic move by Apple to differentiate the iPhone from the competition through software innovations.
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According to The Verge, the changes in iOS 27 aren’t limited to the Camera app. According to Gurman , Siri will be integrated into Dynamic Island and get its own app, while supporting more third-party AI models. In addition, the Image Playground app and Safari ’s home page will be redesigned, while the Weather app will add a new “ Conditions ” section. These changes suggest a systematic refresh of iOS that aims to improve personalization and functionality across the ecosystem.
See also: iOS 27's Camera app gets 'Siri' feature
iOS 27 is expected to be announced at Apple ’s WWDC on June 8, 2026 , and will be released in fall 2026. The full customization of the Camera app marks a shift in philosophy for Apple, as the company moves away from fixed interface design toward user-configurable frameworks. This development reflects both competitive pressure from Android and broader industry trends toward personalization. The success of these features will likely define Apple ’s approach to customization across its ecosystem in the years to come.
