Apple is reportedly preparing iOS 27 as its biggest course correction in years, pairing a deep focus on stability with an aggressive new push into generative AI meant to rival services like ChatGPT. The update is expected to rework Siri, enhance core apps and lay the foundation for more advanced on‑device intelligence.
With iOS 27, Apple is said to be adopting a Snow Leopard-style strategy that prioritises software quality, performance and reliability over flashy visual overhauls. Engineering teams are reportedly combing through iOS and iPadOS to strip bloat, squash long-standing bugs and streamline system processes across supported devices.
This shift comes after a turbulent iOS 26 cycle, where the ambitious Liquid Glass redesign drew criticism for issues like battery drain, app freezes, UI glitches and overheating on some iPhones. While Apple reduced delays compared with earlier releases, users still voiced frustration that stability and polish were lagging behind new features.
At the same time, Apple has faced mounting pressure in the AI race as rivals shipped powerful chatbots and assistants, while Siri’s evolution remained relatively modest. Reports suggest internal concern that the company’s software reputation and ecosystem trust could erode if Apple does not quickly match or surpass tools like ChatGPT.
iOS 27 is therefore expected to headline a new wave of “Apple Intelligence” features, centred on a redesigned Siri with more natural conversations, deeper app integration and better contextual awareness. Apple is also said to be working on an AI-powered web search experience and other generative tools that bring ChatGPT-style capabilities directly into the system.
Behind the scenes, Apple has reportedly formed dedicated teams to develop large language models and an internal chatbot platform, often described as a stripped-down ChatGPT rival. This technology is tipped to enhance Siri, Spotlight and Safari search, allowing iOS 27 to deliver faster, privacy-focused answers without always relying on third-party providers
Analysts expect iOS 27 to act as both a clean-up release and a launchpad, stabilising today’s devices while preparing software for future hardware like foldable iPhones and more AI-heavy workflows. If successful, the update could restore confidence in Apple’s software quality and signal that the company is ready to compete seriously in next-generation AI services.
