Apple iOS 27 » Exclusive leaks on 5 brand-new features—plus, users can also choose Gemini or Claude?

According to Bloomberg and foreign media reports, Apple’s upcoming release of iOS 27 will bring five major new features: opening up custom third-party AI models, an upgraded Siri, support for foldable iPhone interfaces, photo AI tools, and other updates.

Latest leaks on Apple iOS 27 features roundup

Apple is expected to unveil the new generation operating system iOS 27 at the June conference this year, with a simultaneous release alongside the new iPhone in September.

Based on current media leaks, iOS 27 will introduce several major upgrades, including an interface designed specifically for the first foldable iPhone, a fully evolved chat robot version of Siri, and large-scale optimizations to system performance. There are even reports that iOS 27 will open up user freedom to choose third-party AI models, providing a more flexible generative AI experience.

Apple iOS 27 major feature leaks preview

Feature One: Allow users to select third-party AI models

Bloomberg’s latest report states that Apple will add a new feature called “Extensions” in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27.

Users can configure the Settings app to select third-party AI models to drive Siri, writing tools, and image playgrounds among other Apple Intelligence features. Third-party AI providers can join support via the App Store.

Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, who specializes in Apple product leaks, also revealed that Apple is internally testing models from Google and Anthropic, and that Siri driven by different AI models can further be customized with different voices.

Feature Two: New chat robot version of Siri and dedicated app

According to the well-known Apple leak site MacRumors, Apple plans to upgrade Siri into a full-fledged chat robot and launch a dedicated Siri app supporting text and voice conversations. They also plan to use custom AI models developed in collaboration with Google Gemini team to power some new features.

The new Siri is expected to feature personal context understanding, screen awareness, and deep integration across applications. Siri will also replace the current Spotlight search function and introduce a new glowing visual design in Dynamic Island.

Feature Three: Support for the first foldable iPhone interface

Rumors suggest that Apple will launch its first foldable iPhone in September, and iOS 27 will be specially optimized for large screens. MacRumors reports that this foldable iPhone will have a 5.5-inch screen, expanding to 7.8 inches when unfolded.

iOS 27 will introduce multitasking features for iPhone for the first time, supporting two apps side-by-side in expanded mode. Many built-in apps will also adopt a sidebar design, bringing an iPad-like user experience.

Feature Four: Camera adds Siri mode and visual intelligence features

MacRumors reports that iOS 27’s Camera app is expected to include a dedicated Siri mode.

This mode will integrate visual intelligence technology, allowing users to scan nutrition labels on food packaging and sync data to the Health app, or scan business cards to directly save contact information.

For Wallet, visual intelligence can also extract information from physical event tickets or membership cards and generate digital versions.

Feature Five: Built-in AI editing tools in Photos app

MacRumors leaks that iOS 27’s Photos app will add an Apple Intelligence tool section within the editing interface.

This area will offer three main functions, including AI-generated extensions to original outdoor scenery in photos, automatic color and light adjustments, and re-composition features designed for spatial photos, enabling users to freely change the image perspective after shooting.

Devices supporting iOS 27: Possibly dropping iPhone 11, 2nd gen SE

iOS 27 is also expected to focus on system-level optimizations. MacRumors notes that Apple will clean up outdated code to improve speed and battery life.

Regarding supported devices, iOS 27 is expected to drop support for the iPhone 11 series and the second-generation iPhone SE, supporting models from iPhone 12 up to the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air expected in fall 2026.

iOS 27 may be Tim Cook’s final system update

Apple’s impressive achievements over the past 15 years have been largely driven by current CEO Tim Cook, and iOS 27 may be the last major system update released during his tenure.

Cook will officially step down on September 1, 2026, and transition to Chairman of the Board, handing over to the 50-year-old Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus.

Ternus, with a strong background in hardware engineering, will immediately face the challenge of leading Apple through AI transformation and must continue to drive sales of flagship products like the foldable iPhone and iPhone 17.

Apple is expected to see a 14% to 17% sales growth in Q3 2026, and its future development strategy will continue to attract market attention.

Further reading:
Apple’s Cook steps down! Who is John Ternus, the new CEO? Can he continue Apple’s profit myth?

First interview after Buffett’s retirement! Buffett: There’s not much worth buying in the stock market right now, Apple was sold too early.