After the major aesthetic change that iOS 26 brought, Apple already has its sights set on The next major software update for the iPhone: iOS 27The company wants to put behind it the doubts generated by the new design and focus on stability, performance and, above all, the integration of artificial intelligence into daily life.
Everything points to iOS 27 being a version that looks like a continuation of the previous version, but with many important decisions under the hood. Apple will combine a deep system overhaul with very specific improvements in Siri, Apple IntelligenceMultitasking and satellite connectivity, along with adjustments to key applications like Calendar, are among the new features expected. Many of these will be announced at WWDC in June 2026, with Europe and Spain as priority markets for their rollout.
From the redesign of iOS 26 to the “Snow Leopard” philosophy of iOS 27
With iOS 26, Apple introduced the Liquid Glass design, full of transparencies, crystal effects and visual layers which completely changed the system's aesthetics. The impact was enormous: the feeling of modernity was evident, but not all users were satisfied and The adoption rate was lower than usual. for the company.
That context explains why within the company iOS 27 is referred to as a “Snow Leopard-type” updateLess focus on the interface and more work behind the scenes. In other words, a version focused on refining what already exists, reducing errors, improving system fluidity, and at the same time introducing new features that make a practical difference in daily use.
In Apple's product ecosystem—iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch—the iOS 26 redesign was noticeable, but in iOS 27 the goal is different: prioritize stability and functionality over visual fireworksThat doesn't mean there won't be changes, but rather that the experience should feel more polished and consistent, especially on devices that have already made the switch to the new design.
In terms of the schedule, the roadmap remains the classic Apple one: iOS 27 presentation at WWDC in June 2026 The final version is slated for release in the fall, coinciding with the next generation of iPhones. The pre-release phase, with betas for developers and public testers, will be crucial for refining the system, something especially important after the adoption problems with iOS 26.
Siri and Apple Intelligence: the big bet of iOS 27
One of the areas where we will see the most changes is in the virtual assistant. Apple has been preparing a completely revamped Siri for years., based on advanced language models and a much stronger integration with Apple Intelligence, the AI layer that the company is deploying in its ecosystem.
Part of this leap will begin to be noticeable with iOS 26.4, but iOS 27 will be the version that consolidates the new approach. The plan is for Siri to have a much deeper understanding of the user's context: what appears on the screen, what events are on the calendar, what messages have been received, or what emails are relevant to a specific task.
Thanks to this context, the assistant will be able to be more conversational, maintain coherent conversation threads, and better understand chained requests without the user having to repeat every detail. Furthermore, a more robust integration with third-party apps through new APIs, something key for Siri to stop being limited to Apple's native applications.
One particularly relevant point for Europe and Spain is the alliance with Google. Apple has decided to rely on Gemini's technology to strengthen Siri's artificial intelligence foundationThe idea is not to "put Google in the iPhone", but to use its models as an engine, with data processing hosted on Apple's infrastructure and under its privacy policies.
In practice, this opens the door to functions close to the so-called “personal intelligence” that Google is testing with Gemini: answers much more tailored to the user's situationThe ability to cross-reference information from different apps and more proactive task management. Apple, however, will have to balance this power with the European Union's regulatory requirements regarding data protection.
Improvements to Apple Intelligence beyond Siri
The transformation will not be limited to the voice assistant. Apple Intelligence is already present in features such as Genmoji, Image Playground, notification summaries, and writing tools.And it is very likely that iOS 27 will expand its scope and quality.
On the table is the improvement of the models that generate custom emojis, images and content summaries, as well as the extension of these tools to more native applications and, presumably, to third-party apps that meet certain security and privacy requirements. The idea is for the user to notice the AI in everyday gestures.: compose an email, summarize a conversation, rearrange notifications, or generate an image for a message.
In Europe, a key issue will be language availability. Apple typically starts with English and then expands to other major languages, including Spanish. iPhone users in Spain may not receive all advanced features from day oneHowever, a progressive expansion is expected with the following minor versions of iOS 27.
Satellite connectivity beyond the emergency
Satellite connectivity has been present on the iPhone for some time since Emergency SOS mode, but with iOS 27 a qualitative leap is expected. The company is working to offer satellite services that go beyond emergency alerts., relying on its alliance with Globalstar.
Among the possibilities being considered is the option of send messages and photos via satellite When there is no conventional mobile coverage, and even access a version of Apple Maps designed for basic navigation in areas without signal. Ideally, all of this without the user having to point the phone at the sky as strictly as they do now.
It is also anticipated that Apple will enable a development platform (API) for third-party applications to leverage satellite connectivity In very specific cases: mountain activities, navigation, adventure sports or rescue services, with special interest in rural or hard-to-reach regions in European countries.
Although many of these services will depend on agreements with operators and regulators in each territory, the European Union and Spain They could play an important role as markets where security and connectivity features can be tested in remote areas.
Multitasking designed for the foldable iPhone… and more
Another major feature of iOS 27 will be multitasking. The arrival of a possible Foldable iPhone —informally known as the iPhone Fold— This forces Apple to rethink how multiple apps are managed simultaneously on a larger screen.
Leaks suggest that this foldable model could feature a screen of around 7,7 inches when openedThis brings the experience closer to the iPad experience. To take advantage of this format, iOS 27 would incorporate "true" multitasking, with several windows visible simultaneously, resizable, and with advanced support for drag and drop between applications.
Most likely, The most advanced multitasking features are reserved for the iPhone FoldBecause of its power and screen size. Even so, Apple would take advantage of the update to make adjustments to the multitasking of the traditional models: improving the drag-and-drop function, optimizing switching between apps, and could even allow multiple windows within selected applications such as Safari, Messages, Photos, or Apple Maps.
For users in Spain and the rest of Europe, this development will be especially interesting if the foldable iPhone ultimately has a global launch from the outset. In any case, iOS 27 will mark a turning point in how productivity is understood on the iPhone.even though certain options remain linked to the more expensive models.
New AI-powered search tool
Another rumor surrounding iOS 27 has to do with a possible web search tool powered by artificial intelligenceApple maintains a very profitable agreement with Google for Safari search results, but is looking for ways to offer its own added value within the system.
One hypothesis is that this new AI-powered search will be integrated specifically into Spotlight, iOS's built-in search engine. This way, the user could search for information on your device and on the web with a single, more conversational query, supported by the language models that bring the new Siri and Apple Intelligence to life.
In Europe, this type of movement is significant, as the European Union is closely monitoring the practices of large technology companies in search and advertising. Therefore, Apple will have to tread carefully to balance commercial agreements, innovation, and regulatory compliance.especially if your AI-powered tool starts to indirectly compete with traditional Google search.
Redesign and improvements to the Calendar app
Beyond AI and connectivity, iOS 27 will also touch classic system applications. Calendar is one of the top candidates to receive a major facelift after several years with relatively minor changes.
The initial plans were to update the app in 2025, but the introduction of Liquid Glass and the effort dedicated to stabilizing iOS 26 reportedly delayed some of the work. Now, with iOS 27 on the horizon, A redesign is expected that will place more emphasis on intelligent time management. and in better coordination with Reminders.
The integration between both apps could translate into a more unified management of tasks and eventsTurn reminders into appointments, view tasks associated with meetings, or receive suggestions based on usage habits. Nothing particularly eye-catching visually, but very useful for everyday life, both at work and in your personal life.
Relationship with iOS 26.4 and the new update cycle
The arrival of iOS 26.4 serves as a prelude to what we will see in iOS 27. This intermediate version, scheduled for end of first quarter 2026It will introduce profound changes to Siri's architecture and the first Apple Intelligence features in the ecosystem.
For Spanish and European users, this schedule maintains Apple's traditional logic: Developer betas in the first few months of the yearPublic release of version “.4” around March or April and WWDC in June to preview the next major version of iOS.
The goal is that, when iOS 27 is officially unveiled, Siri and Apple Intelligence are already sufficiently established so that the focus of the event shifts towards new capabilities, and not so much towards promises yet to be implemented.
iPhone models that will not receive iOS 27
As is the case every year, one of the first questions users ask is which phones will be able to update. Following Apple's usual policy and the list of devices that have already been left out of iOS 26, There are a number of models that will not have access to iOS 27.
It is, essentially, about the older iPhonesSome of these are over a decade old and have already reached the end of their official support cycle. These include:
- iPhone (1st generation, 2007)
- iPhone 3G and 3GS
- iPhone 4 and 4s
- iPhone 5, 5c and 5s
- iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
- iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1rd generation, 2016)
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS and XS Max
Many of these models are already stuck on previous versions of the system and They will not receive iOS 26 or, of course, iOS 27.Even so, they remain fully functional for basic tasks, although they will gradually lose compatibility with new apps and features.
iPhones that are expected to be compatible with iOS 27
On the opposite side, we can draw up a fairly reasonable list of the devices that are very likely to receive iOS 27, based on Apple's support precedents and the technical requirements of the Liquid Glass design and Apple Intelligence.
Among them we would find:
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2rd generation, 2020)
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022)
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max and 16e
- iPhone 17, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max
- iPhone Air
In these models, The jump to iOS 27 should focus on optimizing performance and battery life.In addition to enabling the new features of Siri and Apple Intelligence to a greater or lesser extent. However, everything indicates that The most advanced AI capabilities will continue to be reserved for the latest and most powerful iPhones., especially from the models equivalent to the Pro range of the 15 series and later.
Which iPhone is worth buying with iOS 27 in mind?
For those considering upgrading their phone in Spain and who don't want to be left behind in a few years, the general recommendation is simple: The newer the model, the longer its support lifecycle will be.However, price is also a factor, and not everyone necessarily wants to go for the latest Pro version.
In the mid-range, devices such as The iPhone 16e is shaping up to be an interesting option.With modern hardware, good cameras, and several years of future updates, models like the standard iPhone 14 or 15 (new or refurbished) can also offer a reasonable balance between cost and lifespan.
In any case, having an iPhone that stops receiving updates in one or two years is a bad idea. This does not mean that the device will be rendered unusable.It will continue to function normally, although without access to the new features and with a more limited security outlook as the years go by. It all depends on the budget, how the phone is used, and how important it is for each user to stay up-to-date with the latest versions.
Given this scenario, iOS 27 is shaping up to be a less flashy update than its predecessor, but more relevant in what matters: stability, better integrated artificial intelligence, new ways of connecting, and more serious management of the device lifecycleFor iPhone users in Spain and the rest of Europe, this will be a key version to see how well Apple can combine design, performance, privacy, and truly useful features without losing sight of regulatory requirements and the growing expectations surrounding AI.
