Quick answer: iOS 27 came out on 14 September 2026 and runs on every iPhone that supported iOS 26, from the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2nd generation) up to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo. The headline feature, the new AI-powered Siri, needs an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. Apple has already released iOS 27.0.1 (28 September 2026) with bug fixes, so most people can update now.
Every September brings the same question: should you install the new iOS straight away, and will your iPhone even get the good parts? This year the answer splits neatly along hardware lines.
Here’s what’s new, which phones get what, and how to update safely, as of 5 October 2026.
Which iPhones can install iOS 27?
MacRumors reports that Apple didn’t drop any models this year. If your iPhone runs iOS 26, it can run iOS 27. That includes:
- iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo
- iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, 17e and iPhone Air
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max and 16e
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 13, 12 and 11 series (including mini and Pro models)
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
If you have an iPhone XR, XS or older, you’re already off the update train. Those phones stopped getting new major versions with iOS 26.
What’s new in iOS 27?
A rebuilt Siri
The biggest change is Siri. AppleInsider’s rundown describes new models and a “System Orchestrator” that ties Apple Intelligence features together. In practice, you can now type to Siri, see your conversation history and ask follow-up questions, and Siri has more access to personal context on your phone, such as your messages and calendar, to answer questions about your own stuff.
Photos and image tools
Photos gains an Extend tool that generates content beyond the edges of a picture, and a Spatial Reframe option for changing perspective. Image Playground adds photorealistic styles. These are AI features, so they also need a newer iPhone (see below).
Parental controls and safety
Setting up a child account is simpler, and an “Ask to Browse” option lets kids request access to websites. Communication Safety can now detect and blur graphic images. If you manage a child’s iPhone, this is the most useful part of the update.
Speed and smaller changes
MacRumors cites Apple’s claims of app launches up to 30 percent faster, photo loading up to 70 percent faster and AirDrop up to 80 percent faster. Liquid Glass, the design introduced last year, gets readability and contrast tweaks. Find My lets you set custom durations for location sharing, and CarPlay can play video while you’re parked.
Which features need an iPhone 15 Pro or newer?
This is the catch. According to MacRumors, the new Siri and other Apple Intelligence features require an iPhone 15 Pro or later. Macworld adds that Siri’s new expressive voices need an iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro.
| Your iPhone | What you get in iOS 27 |
|---|---|
| iPhone 11 to 14 series, iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, iPhone SE | Core iOS 27: speed gains, design tweaks, parental controls, Find My and CarPlay updates |
| iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max and newer | Everything above plus the new Siri and Apple Intelligence tools |
| iPhone 17 Pro, 18 Pro | Also the new expressive Siri voices |
Language is the other limit. Macworld reports that the new Siri launched in English first, with more languages to follow, and that regional restrictions apply in the EU and China. If you use Siri in a language other than English, check Apple’s feature availability page before expecting the new Siri on your phone.
Should you update to iOS 27 now?
For most people, yes. The first wave of bugs usually shows up in the opening fortnight, and Apple has already shipped a fix: Macworld reports that iOS 27.0.1, released on 28 September 2026, addressed unexpected restarts after a failed Face ID attempt and a touchscreen freeze some users hit. Apple’s security releases page lists both iOS 27 and iOS 27.0.1.
You might wait a little longer if:
- You rely on a work app or banking app that hasn’t been updated for iOS 27 yet. Check its App Store page for recent update notes.
- Your iPhone is an iPhone 11 or 12 with a worn battery. A major update re-indexes photos and files in the background, which can make the battery feel worse for a few days.
Not sure how healthy your battery is? Our guide on how to check your phone’s battery health shows where to look.
How to update to iOS 27 safely
- Back up first. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now, or back up to a computer.
- Make sure you have free space. Major updates need several gigabytes. Check Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Plug in to a charger and connect to Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings > General > Software Update and tap Update Now under iOS 27.
- Leave the phone alone until it restarts. Expect the battery to drain a bit faster for a day or two while it finishes background indexing.
If Software Update only offers an iOS 26 update, scroll down. Apple often lists the new major version as a separate option.
What’s still coming later?
Not everything Apple showed in June arrived on day one. Macworld lists a redesigned Health app, automatic password changes and suggested message replies among the features still to come through the rest of the year. If you were waiting for one of these, updating now won’t give it to you yet.
Frequently asked questions
Is iOS 27 available in India?
Yes. iOS 27 rolled out worldwide on 14 September 2026, including India. The new Siri launched in English first, and it only works on an iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
Will my iPhone 13 get the new Siri?
No. The iPhone 13 can install iOS 27 and gets the general improvements, but the new Siri and Apple Intelligence features need an iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
Can I go back to iOS 26?
Usually only for a short window after a release, while Apple still signs the older version, and it requires a computer and a full restore. In practice, it’s easier to wait for a fix like iOS 27.0.1 than to downgrade.
How big is the iOS 27 update?
Apple doesn’t publish one fixed size, because it depends on your model and current version. Keep at least 10GB free to be safe; your iPhone will tell you if it needs more.
Find more iPhone and Android guides in our Smartphones and Mobile section.