iOS 27 launched its first public beta today, offering a "Snow Leopard update" focused on fixes and speed improvements rather than major new features. App launches, Photos search, and AirDrop transfers are all faster, while Messages gains in-line replies and end-to-end encryption for RCS messages.
The headline feature is Apple's revamped Siri AI, now available as an opt-in beta. One test involved asking Siri about band performance order at a concert - the assistant successfully read information from the event webpage and searched the web to provide the answer without the user needing to open a browser.
The new Siri represents a shift in phone interaction: instead of opening an app first, users state what they want to accomplish, and Siri searches through apps and available information to handle it. However, the author notes full capabilities require significant developer support, making the public beta feel more like a preview of future potential.