How to upgrade your iPhone to iOS 27

Even if you're not waiting for an iPhone 18, your current device is set to get a bit of love from Apple. The latest version of Apple's mobile operating system - iOS 27 - is now available as an over-the-air download for iPhones as old as the iPhone 11.

If you've got an Apple Watch, you'll also be able to upgrade to watchOS 26 after your paired iPhone is running iOS 26. iPadOS 26 is also out now for iPad owners. 

What's new in iOS 27?

iOS 27 includes new features such as next-generation Siri, new AI photo editing tools, improved parental controls, and Liquid Design tweaks. On top of this, iOS 27 is said to bring performance improvements designed to make iPhones feel smoother. Apple says opening apps and discovering AirDrop recipients will be up to 30% faster, AirPlay will connect up to 70% faster, and AirDrop will be up to 80% faster.

How do I install iOS 27?

Upgrading to iOS 27 is super simple. To do so, follow these steps:

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone
• Select General
• Tap Software Update

The upgrade to iOS 27 is a fairly large download, so make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi beforehand. The exact download size will depend on your device, but it can measure in over 8GB.

Can I update to iOS 27?

Devices as old as the iPhone 11 can install iOS 27. Some features won't be available on all devices, however. Some advanced Apple Intelligence features will only be available on the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air, for example, and you'll need an iPhone 15 Pro or newer to use the new Siri.

You can install iOS 27 on the following iPhones:

iPhone 17, iPhone 17e, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13, Phone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2022), iPhone 12, Phone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and iPhone SE (2020)

The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo will naturally run iOS 27 out of the box. 

In addition to the new iPhone operating system, the latest versions of iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS are now available too. 

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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