Apple is taking artificial intelligence to the next level with iOS 27, introducing the biggest upgrade to Visual Intelligence. The company is no longer limited to simply recognizing objects through the camera, but is turning the iPhone into a digital assistant that can understand, analyze, and interact with the real world in real time.
The new experience is more accessible, smarter and, most importantly, more useful in everyday life. At the same time, Apple is extending Visual Intelligence to iPad, Mac and Vision Pro, creating a single ecosystem where the same AI capabilities follow the user regardless of the device they use.
Visual Intelligence is being brought to the Camera app
One of the biggest changes is how you access the feature. In iOS 27, Visual Intelligence is integrated directly into the Camera app via a new Siri feature.
The user can activate this feature, point the camera at any object, landscape or product and immediately request information. Siri now has the ability to “see” what the user sees and answer questions in a natural way, creating an experience that is more like a conversation than a simple search.
See also: iPhone 16's Visual Intelligence is coming to older iPhones
Apple essentially turns the iPhone camera into an interactive knowledge portal, where information is provided instantly and without complicated processes.
Smarter Siri without relying on third-party services
One of the most interesting features of iOS 27 is the significant upgrade to Siri. Until now, more complex queries required the cooperation of external artificial intelligence models. Now, the new generation of Siri can handle much more complex searches and pull information from the web without having to transfer the user to other services.
This means faster responses, better understanding of the environment, and more comprehensive interaction with the content displayed in front of the camera.
Smart suggestions based on content
Visual Intelligence is no longer limited to object recognition. The system can automatically suggest actions based on what it sees (Smart Suggestions).
If you take a photo of a plant, Siri can recognize it and offer care tips. If you point the camera at a meal, it can display nutritional information. It can also identify products, find online reviews, and suggest relevant information without requiring a manual search.
Apple's philosophy is clear: the device must anticipate the user's needs before they even express them.
See also: iOS 26.4 Beta Released Without Apple Intelligence Siri Features
New practical functions for everyday life
Apple is adding a series of tools that turn Visual Intelligence into a real productivity assistant.
Users can scan business cards and automatically create new contacts, insert multiple calendar events from posters or event programs , and convert photos of tickets or memberships into digital passes for Wallet.
At the same time, the feature can analyze clothing labels and provide washing instructions, transcribe handwritten notes into digital text, identify allergens in ingredient lists , and explain complex parking signs.
Another useful feature is Bill Splitting (US only). If users take a photo of a restaurant bill, they can split up what they ate and then send separate money via Apple Cash.
These are small but very useful features that can save time in everyday life.
From object recognition to real understanding of the world
Visual Intelligence continues to support features that users are already familiar with, such as recognizing plants, animals, books, artwork, and landmarks. However, the difference in iOS 27 is that AI doesn't stop at recognition.
It can now interpret information, compare data, provide advice , and take action based on what it sees. This transition from simple recognition to meaningful understanding is perhaps the most significant evolution of the platform.
See also: iOS 17: Car symbol recognition via Visual Lookup
A unified AI ecosystem across iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro
Apple isn't limiting the new experience to iPhone. Visual Intelligence extends to iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate, and visionOS 27.
On Mac, users can select any part of the screen and request information via a special keyboard shortcut. On iPad, the feature works with Apple Pencil and screenshots, while on Vision Pro, interaction becomes even more natural, as the device can recognize objects simply by following the user's gaze.
With iOS 27, Apple is making it clear that the future of AI lies not just in chatbots, but in directly understanding the natural world. The new Visual Intelligence is one of the company’s most ambitious steps in this direction and perhaps the most significant development of Apple Intelligence to date.
