Apple’s long-awaited AI upgrade for Siri is here. With iOS 27, released on September 14, 2026, Siri can understand more natural requests, see what is on your screen, take actions inside apps and help you write. Reports earlier in the year confirmed that Apple’s new Siri is powered in part by Google’s Gemini models, running through Apple’s privacy-focused infrastructure. At launch the new Siri works in English, with French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish arriving in October, and it was not available in the EU or China at launch. Here is how to turn it on, which iPhones support it and 20 commands worth trying.
What’s New in Siri With iOS 27
- Natural conversation: you can stumble, correct yourself or ask follow-ups without repeating context.
- On-screen awareness: Siri understands what you are looking at, such as an address in a message or a product on a web page.
- Actions in apps: Siri can do multi-step tasks like finding a photo and sending it to a contact.
- Writing help: rewrite, summarise and proofread text across apps.
- Camera understanding: point the camera at something and ask about it.
Supported iPhones
According to Apple, the new Siri features require an iPhone with enough on-device AI power:
| Device | Supported |
|---|---|
| iPhone 16 series and newer | Yes |
| iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max | Yes |
| iPhone 15 and 15 Plus | No |
| Older iPhones | No |
Some iPads and Macs with Apple silicon also support Apple Intelligence features after updating.
How to Turn On the New Siri
- Update your iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update and install iOS 27.
- Go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri.
- Turn on Apple Intelligence if prompted and wait for the models to download (Wi-Fi recommended).
- Choose how to activate Siri: “Siri” or “Hey Siri”, the side button, or double-tap the bottom of the screen to type to Siri.
- Set your Siri language to a supported English variant if features don’t appear.
20 Useful Siri Commands to Try
Everyday productivity
- “Remind me to call Mum when I get home.”
- “What did Rahul say about the meeting time?”
- “Summarise this email.”
- “Add this address to his contact card.” (while viewing a message)
- “Create a note with the items on my screen.”
Photos and messages
- “Find photos from Goa last December and share them with Priya.”
- “Send the last screenshot to my team chat.”
- “Make this photo brighter and crop it square.”
- “Reply that I’ll be 10 minutes late.”
- “Read my unread messages from today.”
Writing and reading
- “Proofread this and make it more polite.” (in Mail or Notes)
- “Summarise this web page in three points.”
- “Turn these notes into a to-do list.”
- “Translate this message into Hindi.”
- “Write a short birthday message for my colleague.”
Camera and the world around you
- “What plant is this?” (using the camera)
- “Add this event poster to my calendar.”
- “How much is this in rupees?” (pointing at a price tag)
Device control
- “Turn on Low Power Mode and silence notifications until 6 pm.”
- “Open the settings for screen time.”
Privacy: How Does Apple Handle Your Requests?
Apple says many requests are processed on your device, and more complex ones use its Private Cloud Compute servers, which are designed so that Apple cannot store or access your data. When Siri uses partner models, Apple says requests are handled with privacy protections. You can review options in Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri, and you can turn off features you do not want.
Availability by Region and Language
- English (U.S., UK, India and other variants) at launch.
- French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish rolling out in October 2026.
- Not available in the EU or China at launch, according to Apple’s announcement.
- If you live in India, set your device language and Siri language to English (India) for the best support.
Troubleshooting: New Siri Not Working?
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Features missing | Check device support and update to the latest iOS |
| “Downloading” message for a long time | Connect to Wi-Fi and charge your phone |
| Siri uses old behaviour | Check that Apple Intelligence is turned on |
| Region not supported | Feature may not be available in your country yet |
| Siri misunderstands names | Add phonetic names in Contacts |
New Siri vs ChatGPT and Gemini Apps
Siri is best for actions on your iPhone: messages, photos, reminders and settings. Dedicated apps like ChatGPT and Gemini are still better for long research, detailed writing and image creation. Many people use Siri for quick tasks and open an AI app for deeper work. iOS also lets you connect ChatGPT for certain requests if you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the new Siri free?
Yes, it is part of iOS 27 on supported devices.
Does my iPhone 15 support the new Siri?
Only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are supported; the standard iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are not.
Is Siri powered by Gemini?
Reports in 2026 confirmed that Google’s Gemini models help power the new Siri, delivered through Apple’s systems.
Can I type to Siri instead of speaking?
Yes. Double-tap the bottom of the screen to open Type to Siri.
Final Thoughts
The iOS 27 Siri is the biggest Siri upgrade in years. Update your iPhone, turn on Apple Intelligence, and start with the 20 commands above. Within a week, you will likely find a handful of everyday tasks that Siri now handles faster than you can tap.
