Apple's iOS 27 public beta is now available, centering on a revamped Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. The update prioritizes everyday utility over flashy features, with improvements to Messages, Safari, Maps, and photo editing. However, the new Siri still lacks some standout capabilities compared to rivals like Gemini and ChatGPT.
Siri AI Gets a Home and New Interactions
The most notable change is how users interact with Siri. Beyond the traditional "Hey Siri" voice command or side button, iOS 27 adds a swipe-down gesture from the Dynamic Island. A dedicated Siri app now keeps a persistent history of requests, though simple tasks like timers are excluded. The app has room for improvement: uploading images doesn't show a thumbnail or confirmation, leading to repeated attempts. Apple also introduced "Expressive Voice," allowing users to customize the speed and expressiveness of Siri's voice, but it's limited to US English with one male and one female option.
Siri AI excels at contextual, on-device tasks. For example, typing "Black Clover" in the Siri dropdown shows the most recent Crunchyroll episode. This phone search capability is something Claude and ChatGPT can't replicate, as Siri is deeply integrated into iOS. However, indexing can take days, and Apple recommends keeping the phone plugged in to speed up the process. Users can also block apps from Siri's search. In testing, Siri struggled with third-party apps like Gmail, requiring the built-in Mail app for reliable results.
Practical AI Features and Camera Integration
Siri's multimodal abilities are now built into the Camera app. A new Siri tab sits between photo and panorama modes; tapping the shutter analyzes the photo's contents. It successfully identified a Muji pen down to the nib size but failed to recognize a unique Tiki cup. Users can also ask follow-up questions, like identifying a plant or adding dates from a poster to a calendar.
Apple's AI writing tools have evolved, too. In Mail and Messages, Siri can mimic a user's communication style, drafting emails in the appropriate tone and format. The "Write with Siri" button, accessible from the Dynamic Island, feels more integrated than before. For power users, creating shortcuts using natural language is a standout feature—simply type or dictate a task, and Apple Intelligence generates the automation. It's far more accessible than the original Shortcuts app.
Photo Editing and Other Improvements
The Photos app gains generative AI features focused on practical editing. "Extend" expands images to give subjects more room, while "Spatial Reframing" lets users manually adjust a shot's angle. Results can be subtle, but AI artifacts are sometimes visible, especially with low-resolution originals. System-wide dictation has also improved, handling punctuation and formatting more accurately, and transcribing lengthy Voice Memos faster and more precisely.
Overall, iOS 27's Siri AI is a solid step forward for day-to-day tasks, but it remains plain compared to the flashier features of competitors. The beta is available now for compatible iPhones, though users should back up data before installing.