TL; DR
- Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has shared the clearest look yet at Siri’s redesign in iOS 27, including new Dynamic Island animations, a swipe-down “Search or Ask” interface, and a dedicated Siri app with conversation history.
- Apple is also testing support for third-party AI models including Google Gemini, Anthropic Claude, and OpenAI ChatGPT, alongside deeper access to personal data and on-screen content.
- The Camera app is getting its biggest redesign in years with customizable controls, direct Siri-powered image analysis, and new AI editing tools in Photos called Reframe and Extend.
According to a new Bloomberg report from Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing one of the biggest Siri updates since the assistant first launched. The report is based on people familiar with Apple’s plans. Gurman also shared several illustrations showing how the new experience could look, though these are conceptual mockups and not actual screenshots from Apple.
One of the biggest visual changes is the removal of the traditional Siri orb. Instead, Siri will now appear directly inside the Dynamic Island. When users activate Siri using “Hey Siri” or by holding the side button, new animations will expand from the Dynamic Island area rather than taking over the entire screen.
New “Search or Ask” Interface
Apple is also introducing an entirely new way to interact with Siri. Users will be able to swipe down from the top-center area of the screen from anywhere in iOS to open a dedicated “Search or Ask” panel. This full-screen interface combines traditional search with Siri functionality.
The panel includes shortcuts to eight frequently used apps, recent web searches, weather information tailored to the time of day, and quick access to Voice Memos.
From here, users can type or speak requests, launch apps, send messages, create calendar events, check notes, run shortcuts, search the web, and perform various system actions without opening separate apps.
A Dedicated Siri App Is Finally Coming
For the first time, Apple is reportedly creating a dedicated Siri app. The app will store previous conversations using either a list view or summary cards, allowing users to revisit earlier interactions. Users will be able to switch between voice and text conversations seamlessly and attach photos or documents to provide additional context for requests.
Apple is also testing a dropdown menu that lets users choose which AI model handles a request. Current options being tested reportedly include Google Gemini, Anthropic Claude, and OpenAI ChatGPT.
Siri Will Understand More Context
Apple is also expanding Siri’s awareness of both personal information and on-screen content. The assistant will reportedly gain access to Notes, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Contacts, and Reminders, allowing it to perform more complex tasks.
For example, users could ask Siri whether they’re available before scheduling a meeting, summarize information across emails and notes, or draft messages using a combination of web results and personal data stored on the device.
Siri will also become more aware of what is currently displayed on screen, enabling context-based actions without requiring users to manually explain what they’re looking at.
Camera App Receives Its Biggest Redesign in Years
Alongside Siri, Apple is planning a major overhaul of the Camera app. One of the biggest additions is a new “Add Widgets” panel that allows users to customize the top row of camera controls. Instead of Apple’s default layout, users will be able to place controls they use most frequently, including options such as Night Mode, timers, depth adjustments, and other camera settings.
Siri Is Coming Directly to the Camera App
Apple is also integrating Siri directly into the Camera experience. Users will be able to capture an image and immediately ask Siri to analyze it. The assistant can then send that image to supported third-party AI services or perform reverse image searches directly from within the Camera app.
New AI Editing Tools in Photos
The Photos app is gaining three new AI-powered editing features. One of them is called Reframe, which can adjust the perspective or composition of a photo after it has been captured.
Another feature called Extend uses generative AI to create additional image content outside the original frame, allowing users to expand photos beyond what was originally captured.
Apple is also testing natural-language photo editing. Users could simply type or say commands such as “crop this section,” “remove this object,” or “make the sky bluer,” and the system would perform the edit automatically.
More AI Features Across iOS 27
Gurman’s report also mentions several other AI-related additions planned for iOS 27. Apple is working on AI-generated wallpapers, improvements to Image Playground that produce higher-quality generated images, and expanded Genmoji capabilities for creating custom emoji.
The Shortcuts app is also getting a significant upgrade. Users will reportedly be able to create automations using plain language rather than manually building workflows. An example shared in the report is asking the system to “start my driving playlist and send my spouse an ETA when I leave work.”
Apple is also developing a systemwide grammar checker that could work across virtually any text field throughout iOS.
Expected Announcement at WWDC
All of these features are expected to be part of iOS 27 later this year. Apple is widely expected to preview the update during WWDC on June 8 before rolling it out publicly in the fall.
You can follow Smartprix on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Google News. Visit smartprix.com for the latest tech and auto news, reviews, and guides.
