Apple has released the iOS 27 public beta, making its completely redesigned Siri AI assistant available to the general public for the first time.
This marks Apple's largest public test of the new assistant before its official launch this fall. Siri AI is positioned as a direct competitor to AI assistants like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude.
The new Siri can search through a user's messages, emails, and photos. It answers questions based on screen content and can perform actions across supported applications. It also uses current web information to answer broader queries and maintain longer conversations.
Users can activate the assistant via "Hey Siri," the iPhone side button, or a new standalone application. On iPad and Mac, it integrates with Spotlight search.
Siri AI works across the entire Apple ecosystem, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, and Vision Pro. The assistant is powered by Apple Intelligence and the company's latest Foundation Models. Some tasks process on-device, while complex requests use Apple's Private Cloud Compute, which the company says does not store user data.
Early testing shows improvements in finding photos, summarizing messages, and creating calendar events from conversations. Testers have also reported occasional errors and misunderstandings.
The public beta program lets users test pre-release software and provide feedback. Apple warns that beta software may contain errors and recommends backing up devices before installation.
Siri AI is initially available in English on supported devices. It will not launch in the European Union for iPhone and iPad initially, and availability in China remains delayed due to regulatory requirements.