It’s that time again: Apple has released a major new software update. Since 14 September 2026, Apple users have been able to get started with iOS 27. The update brings a range of useful improvements to your iPhone. From new features in Photos to improved AI capabilities, there’s plenty to discover.
But what exactly is new? And can you install iOS 27 on your device? We’ve rounded up the most important changes for you.
Table of contents
- What’s new in iOS 27?
- A refreshed look and feel
- Siri and Apple Intelligence
- Which iPhones are getting iOS 27?
- How do you install iOS 27?
What’s new in iOS 27?
With iOS 27, Apple is once again focusing on improving the everyday iPhone experience. Alongside several noticeable changes, Apple has also introduced several smaller improvements to the apps and features you use every day.One of the most noticeable changes in iOS 27 is the refreshed look and feel. Apple is building on its Liquid Glass design, giving you more control over how visible the glass effect is. With a new slider, for example, you can choose a fully transparent appearance or opt for a more tinted look. The app icons have also become sharper and more detailed.
Apple Intelligence is also gaining new capabilities. In the Photos app, you can use AI to edit your photos in new ways. With Spatial Reframe, you can adjust the composition of a photo after taking it, while Clean Up lets you remove unwanted objects from a photo. With Expand, you can also extend the edges of a photo.
A refreshed look and feel
When you first open iOS 27, the changes to the design will probably be one of the first things you notice. Apple has tweaked various parts of the interface and gives users more options to customise the look of their screen.There are new options for app icons and widgets, while the Liquid Glass design has been expanded across more parts of the operating system. As a result, elements of iOS have a more transparent and dynamic appearance.
These changes may not completely transform the way you use your iPhone, but they do give your device a fresh new look.
Siri and Apple Intelligence
Apple is also continuing to invest in artificial intelligence. Siri is becoming better at understanding what you ask and the context of a conversation. Various Apple Intelligence capabilities are also being expanded. For example, there are features that let you edit text, recognise information or work more easily across different apps.
Not all Apple Intelligence features are immediately available everywhere. In the Netherlands, compatible iPhone models already support several features, such as Writing Tools and intelligent photo editing. However, you’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro or later, or an iPhone 16 or later, to use them. The revamped Siri with AI, which better understands what you say and can draw more context from conversations and apps, is currently not available on iPhone in the Netherlands or the rest of the European Union. Apple is working on a solution for this region. The features available to you therefore depend on your iPhone model, selected language and region.
Which iPhones are getting iOS 27?
The good news is that iOS 27 is also available for a range of older models. This means you don’t necessarily need to buy a new iPhone to use the latest version of iOS. The update is available for the iPhone 11 and later, as well as the iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later. However, certain features may only be available on newer models, particularly when specific hardware is required.
The same applies if you choose a refurbished iPhone. A refurbished iPhone can receive the new iOS update as normal, as long as the model is supported by Apple. So, if you have a refurbished iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13 or later, you can install iOS 27 without any problems. You don’t necessarily need to choose a brand-new device to take advantage of the latest software.
How do you install iOS 27?
Want to install iOS 27? On your iPhone, go to Settings → General → Software Update. Here, you’ll see whether the update is available for your device.
Before you start, make sure your iPhone has enough battery power and is preferably connected to Wi-Fi. It’s also always a good idea to back up your important data beforehand.
Once the update has been installed, you can start exploring the latest features straight away and customise your settings to suit your preferences.
Ready for iOS 27?
iOS 27 brings a range of new features and improvements to the iPhone. From the refreshed look and feel to improvements to Apple Intelligence, there’s plenty to explore. And the best part is that you don’t necessarily need the latest iPhone to take advantage of them.Have you got an iPhone that’s still working well? Check whether your model supports iOS 27 first. Is your device due for an upgrade? Then a refurbished iPhone could be an interesting option. This allows you to switch to a newer model at a more affordable price, while still getting a device that should remain useful for years to come.