Apple is reportedly planning a major hardware shift in 2027. There are rumors that the company will release inexpensive MacBook is powered by the smartphone chip, as well as its first foldable iPhone. We may also see a different launch cycle for major iPhone models that will differ from the typical fall release cycle.
While these are exciting developments to keep an eye on, Apple would be more interested in another software-focused turn of events. And, in particular, thanks to artificial intelligence efforts on their mobile devices. The reason for these changes will most likely be iOS 27.
So far, reports have predicted a Siri update that will finally push Apple into the era of generative artificial intelligence, following in the footsteps of Gemini and finding its place in all major aspects of Android. But iOS 27 will likely be the platform for many more customizations.
Bloomberg predicted that the next big iOS update could follow the same strategy as Mac OS X Snow Leopard back in 2009. This update focused more on tweaks and polish rather than flashy new features. This may seem a little disappointing, but Apple has already come up with a few tricks that could finally pay off next year and revolutionize the iPhone experience.
A new way to work with applications
Towards the end of 2025, Apple shed some light on the platform it released to developers with iOS 26 and accompanying updates. Simply put, it is the secret sauce that allows developers to incorporate AI actions into their applications. Now we are not talking about the integration of third-party chatbots with artificial intelligence. Instead, Apple Intelligence is based on an artificial intelligence model that runs entirely on the device.
“The Foundation Models framework allows developers to create new intelligent features that protect user privacy and are accessible offline, while leveraging free AI inference,” Apple explains. Now, here's the more promising part.
Apple is reportedly planning to use a dedicated Gemini platform to improve Siri. And based on the current implementation on Android devices, we can expect Siri to handle app actions—without having to open those apps in the first place. Gemini already does this with Google's own apps and some third-party apps like WhatsApp.
In Apple's case, there are already basics to experiment with. Use Model feature in Shortcuts app allows users to choose between device, Apple cloud computing and ChatGPT for AI-powered actions. In the upcoming Siri update, the assistant will independently perform actions between applications.
Moreover, if new ChatGPT App Store And shortcuts in browsers with artificial intelligence There are indications that Siri could become a central means of getting work done in various applications using voice or text prompts. Apple's smartphones have been ready for this kind of demanding AI action since the iPhone 15 Pro, and iOS 27 could bring some of the ideas to life.
Siri redesign
Apple is reportedly considering a redesign of the Siri assistant. At the moment the approach is rather haphazard. It is triggered by a long press on the power button, as well as a double tap on the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen. Visual Intelligence has its own UI activation path.
Gemini on Android has created a relatively cohesive and consistent user experience. Be it voice mode, chat or screen control, all of these can be activated within the same main user interface. It's unclear exactly how Apple plans to change Siri's current design, but it could certainly use some decluttering.
A good starting point would be to extend Siri's multimodal AI capabilities into dedicated widgets, just like you can place Gemini actions on your iPhone's lock screen. Siri could also benefit from a system that allows it to bring up apps or specific AI-powered shortcuts with custom keywords.
Apple Health+
Apple's bet on health and wellness with wearables has paid off handsomely. As the technology stack and market evolved, the company created its own subscription service called Fitness+, which was combined with new sensor capabilities.
With iOS 27, Apple could open another chapter with a new service, presumably called Health+.
It will reportedly be an AI-powered platform that will provide new features such as food logging, training, and more. An artificially intelligent doctor can become a central part of the process. “The service will be powered by a new artificial intelligence agent that will replicate, at least to some extent, a real doctor,” Bloomberg reports.
The AI coach will reportedly collect data from Apple wearables and process it to offer personalized recommendations. Apple Health+ will also offer videos featuring experts in sleep, nutrition, physical therapy, mental health and cardiology.
AI-powered search tool
A system-wide search tool is reportedly in development for iOS. Bloomberg. In addition to allowing users to search files and other content on their devices, the search engine will use the Internet to find answers.
“Apple's new search experience will include an interface that uses text, photos, videos and local landmarks, the people said. It will also offer an artificial intelligence-powered summarization system designed to make results more digestible and more accurate than what the current Siri offers,” the report said.
The universal search engine should be familiar Spotlight updates introduced by Apple with macOS Tahoe. And if it can integrate add-ons like the clipboard and user actions, the planned AI search engine will become a hub of activity on the iPhone.
A New Look at App Multitasking
Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone will reportedly introduce a new version of iOS that will be implemented on the big screen. Now it would be convenient for Apple to simply scale up and offer a consistent interface on the outer display and internal flexible panel that would resemble the iPad mini.
I believe Apple will take a different route, or at least should take it. Google has done an admirable job of optimizing the core OS for foldable phones, while Samsung and OnePlus have gone even further with their own unique techniques for managing multiple apps and windows.
Flex mode on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Canvas on the OnePlus Open are fantastic examples to take inspiration from. Apple could also emulate DeX and turn the foldable iPhone into its own data center without deviating too much from the core look and feel of iOS 27.
Stage Manager in iPadOS and macOS is a unique idea that Apple could use. Until now, details about the foldable iPhone's software have been shrouded in mystery, but it's all but certain that Apple will introduce some innovative ideas on how to get the most out of iOS 27 on a roughly eight-inch screen.
