[DigitalToday intern reporter Hong Kyung-min (홍경민)] Apple released the second developer beta of iOS 27, putting next-generation artificial intelligence-based Siri at the forefront.

On June 22, IT outlet 9to5Mac reported that the test version is a follow-up update to the first developer beta released after Apple's annual developer conference WWDC earlier this month.

With a formal release due this autumn, the update focuses on feature improvements and bug fixes. It is seen as one of the iOS updates that places the greatest emphasis on strengthening AI features.

Members of the Apple Developer Program can install it immediately through the Software Update menu in the Settings app. The first public beta for general users is due in July, and the final version will be distributed this autumn. The developer beta 2 is also a test build, so users should be aware it may increase battery drain and cause compatibility issues with some apps.

The key to the update is a completely redesigned Siri AI based on next-generation Apple Intelligence and Apple's own foundation models. The new Siri goes beyond executing simple voice commands, aiming to understand a user's personal context, recognise information shown on the screen and support more natural, continuous conversations.

It also applies new visual effects that integrate with Dynamic Island, and adds a dedicated Siri app that lets users view previous conversations across multiple devices. Visual intelligence features have also expanded to the Camera app and the side Camera Control feature, further broadening the scope of AI use.

The strengthened AI features have expanded across Apple's core apps, including Photos, Safari, Passwords, Mail, Messages, Phone, Shortcuts and Home. Users can use more intelligent search and automation features. Data processing is handled through a combination of on-device computing and Private Cloud Compute, depending on the required security level.

Not all devices can use the latest AI features. iOS 27 can be installed on iPhone 11 and iPhone SE second-generation models and later, but key AI features, including the enhanced Siri AI, require the latest hardware that supports Apple Intelligence. Apple's highest-performance on-device AI model is supported only on some newer devices, including iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air.

Beyond AI features, various changes were applied to improve the user experience. The Liquid Glass design introduced last year now includes a transparency adjustment slider, allowing users to fine-tune the interface appearance. App launch speed and photo loading performance have improved, as have camera launch in Low Power Mode, AirDrop transfer speed, and stability when switching between WiFi and cellular networks.

Other additions include keyword and star-rating management in the Photos app, customised slideshow creation, continuous sending in Messages, FaceTime dual capture and personalised equaliser settings for AirPods. It also supports stronger options for recovering lost devices, improved convenience when switching Apple Pay cards, and AI-based wallpaper generation. Apple plans to distribute the iOS 27 public beta in July before releasing the final version this autumn.