With the visual redesign from the previous version now firmly established on our devices, Apple seems to have finally listened to those who were asking for a break from the aesthetics to focus on what really matters. Rumors indicate that the next major software update won't aim to wow us with new icons, but will instead focus on cleaning up the internal code so the system runs smoothly, eliminating those battery and performance issues that sometimes ruin our day.
This new release is shaping up to be a settlement version, much like iOS 12 was in its day. In Cupertino, they understand that before making the definitive leap to a foldable iPhone and an AI that controls everything, they need a rock-solid foundation. Therefore, the main objective will be to refine the user experience and prepare the ground for much more demanding AI features that require the processor to avoid wasting time on unnecessary processes.
Important dates on the Cupertino calendar
The date is already circled: June 8, 2026, marks the start of WWDC, Apple's annual developer conference where the company will unveil its entire software arsenal. This event will have a special significance, as all signs point to it being Tim Cook's last major presentation before handing the reins to John Ternus. We'll not only see iOS 27, but it will also be accompanied by new versions for iPad, Mac, and the rest of the Apple family, confirming that the Apple machine never stops.
If you're one of those who can't wait, the first developer beta will be available that same Monday. For everyone else, the public beta will arrive in July , allowing anyone keen to tinker to try out the new features. The official and final launch is expected in September, coinciding with the release of the iPhone 18, although there are rumors that this year's hardware schedule might hold some surprises, with models being unveiled on different dates.
Siri is getting older thanks to Google's AI
One of the most exciting aspects of this update is Siri's transformation. Thanks to a strategic agreement, Apple will use models based on Google's Gemini architecture to transform our assistant from a simple answering machine into a truly intelligent agent . The idea is for Siri to learn from our context and be able to perform complex tasks, such as sending a specific message when a timer expires, without us having to lift a finger.
Visually, Siri will be integrated into Dynamic Island with a new perimeter light and a chat-like interface that promises to be much more natural . Best of all, Apple doesn't want your data to be sent out into the wild, so much of this processing will be done locally , within your iPhone's own chip. Furthermore, if you prefer to use other AI systems, it seems we'll be able to choose to have certain queries handled by models like ChatGPT or Claude, turning the iPhone into a kind of command center for different artificial intelligences.
True multitasking and the leap to the foldable iPhone
For those who use their iPhone for work or simply want to multitask, the "Side View" feature has arrived. This new feature, which we've already seen on other systems, will allow users to run two apps simultaneously on screen, something Pro Max users have been requesting for years. This feature makes particular sense considering that the first foldable iPhone could be just around the corner , requiring software that can adapt to a much wider screen.
It's not just about placing one app next to another; we're talking about new navigation gestures, a continuity mode for seamlessly transitioning between the small and large screens, and a side navigation bar very similar to the one we already enjoy on the iPad. Furthermore, the iPhone 18 Pro could debut 5G satellite connectivity , a technical improvement that iOS 27 will manage natively so we're never left without coverage, no matter where we are.
Which devices are left behind?
As is typical with any major upgrade, some older models will have to say goodbye to the new features. Leaks suggest that Apple will exclude devices with the A13 Bionic chip, meaning the iPhone 11 and second-generation SE won't receive this update. It's the normal life cycle of technology, but it's a shame for those who still have these phones working, although they will continue to receive security patches for a while longer.
On the other hand, the system will bring some very interesting features to everyday apps. In the Wallet app, for example, we'll be able to split expenses with friends simply by taking a picture of the dinner receipt; the system will read the amounts and send payment requests automatically. We'll also see a more customizable camera where we can place the controls we use most often within easy reach, eliminating the need to search through menus when we want to take a quick photo in challenging conditions.
The arrival of this new stage in the Apple ecosystem marks a shift towards software maturity, where stability becomes the primary focus to support an unprecedented technological load. The combination of optimized performance and a Siri that finally seems to understand natural language marks a turning point that will determine how we use our phones in the coming years, leaving behind the era of purely visual updates to focus on a much more capable , intelligent, and, above all, reliable tool for everyday use.
