Apple is poised to deliver significant updates to the iPhone experience with iOS 27, including a highly customizable Camera app and a revamped Siri that mimics advanced AI chatbots, according to a detailed report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman published on Tuesday.
The changes, part of a broader redesign of the operating system, aim to make the iPhone more flexible and user-centric, particularly for photography enthusiasts and those seeking more intuitive AI interactions. Apple has not officially confirmed the details, but the report suggests these features could debut at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference, known as WWDC26, scheduled to run online from June 8 to 12, with an in-person special event at Apple Park on June 8.
At the heart of the iOS 27 overhaul is the Camera app, which Bloomberg describes as gaining a "fully customizable interface." Users would be able to decide which camera tools appear on-screen and their positions, including controls for flash, exposure, timer, and resolution. "You would reportedly be able to decide which camera tools appear on-screen and where they sit," Gurman wrote, highlighting how this could benefit those who treat their iPhone as more than a casual snapshot device.
Currently, iPhone users often navigate cluttered menus or adapt to Apple's preset layouts, but the new system would allow personalization, such as removing unwanted buttons like the Shared Library option. The app would retain familiar default controls upon opening, such as resolution, night mode, flash, and Live Photos, but users could switch to advanced options or curate their own. Each capture mode, like Photo mode, would feature customizable "widgets" at the top of the screen—small controls organized into categories including basic, manual, and settings.
In advanced Photo mode, widgets for depth of field and exposure would be available, providing photographers with quicker access to professional tools without delving into separate settings. Bloomberg notes that Apple is also relocating the button that reveals all controls from the top-right corner to a spot near the shutter button, streamlining the interface for faster operation.
Building on earlier rumors, the Camera app may introduce a new Siri mode integrated with Apple's Visual Intelligence features. This would enable users to identify objects, translate text, or retrieve information about items in the viewfinder more seamlessly. "These changes are part of a broader iOS 27 redesign that could touch Siri, Search, Safari, Weather, Image Playground and more," the Bloomberg report states, indicating a comprehensive refresh across core apps.
Siri itself is set for a major transformation, evolving into something closer to competitors like ChatGPT. According to Gurman, Apple is rebuilding Siri to function as an "always-on AI agent," capable of using personal data and executing actions across apps. It would support extended back-and-forth text conversations, allowing for more natural interactions akin to popular AI chat applications.
The redesigned Siri might integrate with the Dynamic Island, the interactive notch area introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022. When activated, it would appear as a large animation at the top of the screen. Users could also access it via a new "Search or Ask" bar by swiping down from the top center of the iPhone, which would handle Siri queries, system searches, and even third-party AI options like ChatGPT and Google Gemini.
For the first time, Siri could receive a standalone app, displaying past conversations in a grid format with an "Ask Siri" input bar for new queries. This shift comes after years of Apple promising enhanced intelligence for its voice assistant, which has lagged behind rivals in conversational depth and app integration.
Beyond the Camera and Siri updates, iOS 27 is expected to bring design tweaks to several other apps. Safari may feature a revamped start page with dedicated tabs for favorites, bookmarks, reading list, and history, making navigation more organized. The Weather app could include a new Conditions panel for quick views of rain, wind, and other data without switching pages.
Apple's Image Playground, the image-generation tool, is reportedly slated for a cleaner interface and more realistic image models, enhancing its utility for creative users. Systemwide changes include adjustments to bottom navigation bars in apps like Podcasts, TV, Music, Health, and News, where search functionality would return to the main tab row.
Additional refinements might encompass a new animation for the iPhone keyboard and undo/redo controls during home screen customization, fostering a more polished user experience overall. These modifications align with Apple's ongoing efforts to refine iOS interfaces, building on recent updates like those in iOS 18 that introduced more home screen flexibility.
The timing of these revelations is notable, as WWDC26 approaches in less than a month from the report's publication. Apple has a history of using the annual conference to preview major software updates, often focusing on design and AI advancements in recent years. For instance, WWDC 2024 emphasized Apple Intelligence features, setting the stage for deeper AI integration in subsequent releases.
While Bloomberg's reporting has a strong track record on Apple developments, the company has not announced iOS 27, and an Apple spokesperson declined to comment when approached by Bloomberg. CNET, which covered the report, also noted that Apple did not immediately respond to its request for comment. This leaves some details speculative, though the consistency of rumors from reliable insiders lends credibility.
Looking ahead, these potential changes could reshape how iPhone users interact with their devices, emphasizing personalization and AI-driven efficiency. As Apple continues to compete in the AI space against companies like OpenAI and Google, iOS 27 might signal a push toward a more adaptive ecosystem. With WWDC26 on the horizon, developers and consumers alike will be watching closely for official unveilings that could influence the next generation of iPhone software.