[Digital Today reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Apple has begun distributing the iOS 27 public beta. General users can install and try the new operating system ahead of its official release, but it is not yet a finished version and may still contain errors and unfinished features.

Tech outlet TechRadar reported on Sunday that the public beta is more accessible than the existing developer beta and somewhat more stable than early versions.

Even so, a public beta is not an official version for general users. Those who use an iPhone as their primary device should be cautious before installing it. The outlet noted it is "not finished software and you could encounter bugs". The official iOS 27 is expected to be released in September.

Backing up an iPhone comes first before installation. To protect data, users should complete a backup and then sign up for Apple’s beta program. After registering, they can go to Settings, General, Software Update and then Beta Updates on the iPhone and select "iOS 27 Public Beta (Public Beta)". They can then return to the previous screen to proceed with the update and install it. Users can install it immediately or set it to update automatically overnight.

The main focus of this public beta is a large-scale AI overhaul of Siri. Siri has now changed toward holding more natural conversations like a chatbot. It has moved beyond simple preset responses or basic web search results, strengthening a structure in which it searches the web and interacts with apps to provide answers or perform tasks based on user requests. Apple also added a dedicated Siri app so users can review and pin previous conversations.

Photo editing has also been strengthened. Users can reframe photos after taking them or expand the canvas, and can remove larger subjects than before. The outlet said these changes make photo editing tools more powerful and closer to the level of features offered by Pixel and Samsung smartphones. It also highlighted Apple’s direction to expand photo retouching in line with the generative AI trend.

The change to lower the barrier to entry for the default Shortcuts app also stands out. Despite its powerful capabilities, Shortcuts has been seen as difficult to use because of complex menus and conditional rules. In iOS 27, it has changed to a system in which describing a desired task in natural language creates an automation. For example, the outlet introduced that entering "When I’m leaving work, message Pedro I’m on my way with my ETA" prompts the app to automatically create an automation that matches the request.

This public beta expands the range of features users can try, but the mood is that the target for installation remains limited. Apple quickly unveiled new features, but the outlet recommended waiting for the official version if users are not sure. Installation is therefore likely to be centered on users with a spare device or those who want to test new features first rather than general users.

In this situation, the iOS 27 public beta has become a testing ground that previews the direction of Apple’s next mobile operating system. The Siri AI overhaul, advanced photo editing and Shortcuts natural-language automation are all linked to changes aimed at reshaping the iPhone user experience around AI rather than simply adding features. If the official version is released in September, a key point will be how much Apple improves stability and completeness during the beta period.