Gurman: iOS 27 is coming with standalone Siri app, updated AI writing tools and Shortcuts

Apple is reportedly preparing one of its biggest artificial intelligence upgrades yet with iOS 27. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the next major iPhone software update will introduce a standalone Siri app, enhanced AI writing tools, and smarter Shortcuts powered by Apple Intelligence.

The update is expected to be officially previewed during Apple’s WWDC 2026 developer conference.

Standalone Siri App Could Be Apple’s Biggest Siri Redesign

One of the most notable changes rumored for iOS 27 is a completely redesigned Siri experience with its own dedicated standalone app. Reports suggest the assistant may move beyond the traditional voice-popup interface and evolve into a chatbot-style AI assistant similar to ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude.

The new Siri experience is expected to include:

  • Persistent conversation history
  • More natural multi-step conversations
  • Better contextual understanding
  • Cross-device syncing between Apple products
  • Improved app integration

Leaks also suggest Apple may rely partly on Google Gemini models to power some advanced Siri and Apple Intelligence capabilities.

AI Writing Tools Getting Major Upgrade

Apple is also reportedly improving its AI-powered writing tools inside iOS 27. The company introduced basic writing assistance features with Apple Intelligence earlier, but the next version could significantly expand those capabilities.

Expected features include:

  • Advanced grammar correction
  • Smarter text rewriting
  • Tone adjustment suggestions
  • AI summarization
  • Improved proofreading tools
  • Context-aware writing assistance

These upgrades may work across apps like Mail, Notes, Safari, Messages, and third-party applications.

Smarter Shortcuts With AI Integration

Apple is reportedly planning major improvements for the Shortcuts app as well. The updated system may allow users to create automations using natural language prompts instead of manually building workflows.

For example, users may be able to say:

  • “Create a morning routine shortcut”
  • “Send my ETA when I leave work”
  • “Turn on focus mode during meetings”

The AI would then automatically generate the automation workflow.

This could make Shortcuts much more accessible to casual users who currently find automation setup complicated.

Focus on Stability and Performance

Beyond AI features, reports indicate Apple is also prioritizing stability and performance improvements in iOS 27. After several feature-heavy updates, Apple may focus on refining the overall software experience.

The update is also expected to prepare iOS for Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone, which could launch in late 2026.

Additional Rumored Features

Other rumored iOS 27 additions include:

  • Better Genmoji image generation
  • Improved Image Playground quality
  • More customizable Camera app controls
  • AI-powered photo editing tools
  • Personalized proactive suggestions
  • Smarter notification handling

Apple’s Growing AI Push

Apple Official Website

Apple Intelligence Overview

Apple has been under pressure to accelerate its AI strategy as competitors like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI continue rapidly expanding generative AI features. iOS 27 appears to be Apple’s attempt to deeply integrate AI throughout the iPhone experience instead of limiting it to isolated features.

Expected Release Timeline

Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 at WWDC 2026, with developer beta releases likely arriving immediately after the keynote. The stable public release should follow alongside the iPhone 18 series later this year.