Apple releases iOS 27 public beta with AI-powered Siri overhaul built on Apple-Google Foundation Models

Apple released the iOS 27 public beta today, opening its redesigned AI-powered Siri assistant to all users ahead of the expected September public launch. The release marks the first time Apple has made its AI assistant overhaul widely available beyond developers, potentially reaching a significant portion of its 2.5 billion active devices worldwide.

Technical architecture

The new Siri runs on Apple Foundation Models built specifically for Apple Silicon using proprietary data. According to Apple, these models were created in collaboration with Google's Gemini through a distillation process—using Gemini to create smaller, efficient models integrated into iOS and other Apple software. The models run on-device and utilize Apple's Private Cloud Compute, which Apple claims ensures user data isn't stored or accessible to the company.

Apple clarified that while Google Gemini was used in development, the Foundation Models are not rebranded versions of Gemini.

Core capabilities

The AI-powered Siri can:

• Access device information including emails, photos, and messages
• Respond to on-screen content
• Find specific photos in Photo Library
• Summarize group text conversations
• Add calendar appointments from text messages
• Identify nutritional information through camera view
• Answer general knowledge questions without web searches
• Search for local event information and news

Interface changes

Siri can now be accessed through multiple methods: voice activation with "Hey Siri," side button press, swiping down from Dynamic Island, or through integration with Spotlight search. For the first time, Siri also exists as a standalone app, though reviewers note this seems redundant given the system-wide integration.

The assistant is available across all Apple products: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, CarPlay, AirPods, Apple TV, and Vision Pro.

Developer beta performance

In early developer beta testing, Siri handled basic device tasks effectively but occasionally threw error messages or misunderstood queries. One example: when asked for news about Iran, it searched contacts instead of providing information.

Availability

The public beta is available now. The full public release of iOS 27 is expected in September 2026. Apple's developer betas have been reported as "fairly stable" this cycle, though beta software always carries risk of errors and instability.

What this means

Apple's Siri overhaul represents the company's entry into the AI assistant market currently dominated by ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. The on-device processing and claimed privacy protections differentiate Apple's approach from cloud-based competitors, though real-world performance and user adoption remain to be tested at scale. The collaboration with Google on the underlying models is notable given Apple's traditionally closed development approach, suggesting the company recognized the need for external AI expertise to compete effectively.