Liquid Glass was one of the most significant overhauls of Apple’s operating system in recent years, introducing users to a new interface experience. With each new operating system release, customers typically expect fresh features. However, that may not be the case with iOS 27, set for release in 2026, as Apple seems to be focusing on enhancing performance and overall quality rather than introducing major new features.
Mark Gurman writes in this week’s Power On newsletter that Apple is taking a page from the Mac OS X Leopard release in 2009, focusing on “improving the software’s quality and underlying performance” with iOS 27. This approach applies to all of the company’s 27-branded operating systems, including macOS 27, visionOS 27, tvOS 27, and watchOS 27.
“Aiming to improve the software, engineering teams are now combing through Apple’s operating systems, hunting for bloat to cut, bugs to eliminate, and any opportunity to meaningfully boost performance and overall quality,” Gurman added. He also noted that iOS 27 lays the groundwork for the company’s first foldable iPhone.
While Apple’s approach to iOS 27 is primarily focused on refining performance and quality, this doesn’t mean the release will lack new features. According to Gurman, most of the additions in iOS 27 revolve around AI, aiming to keep the Cupertino tech giant competitive in the AI race.
iOS 27 is expected to introduce the long-awaited enhanced Siri for iPhones, reportedly powered by a Google Gemini model. In addition, the release may include a health-focused AI agent tied to the Health+ subscription, as well as Apple’s AI-powered web search tool, designed to compete with ChatGPT and Perplexity.
Gurman also noted that Apple’s next OS release could feature enhancements for enterprise users, bespoke features for users in emerging markets, and design tweaks to the Liquid Glass interface.
What’s your take on Apple’s strategy for iOS 27? Should the company introduce new features or focus solely on refining and improving the existing operating system?
