Apple has rolled out the third developer beta of iOS 27 (build 24A5380h), marking a shift toward a near-public beta expected this July. This update activates several features hinted at in prior betas and introduces handy tweaks that improve everyday use. Notably, it enhances Siri AI capabilities, Live Text recognition, and Safari’s user onboarding experience.
In the Photos app, a new toggle called Show Rating Controls lets you assign star ratings to photos and videos directly from thumbnails. For users managing large libraries on iPhone or iCloud, this saves many taps when filtering or organizing media.
The Control Center now displays your mobile network type (LTE, 5G, or others) alongside signal strength-even if Wi-Fi is enabled. This upgrade makes it easier to check cellular connectivity without hunting for the status bar icon or disabling Wi-Fi.
Apple’s Shortcuts app gains an option to set the default creation mode. Users can launch either the classic editor or the new AI-powered ”Describe a Shortcut” interface, which lets you build automations using natural language. This spares power users an extra tap and allows Apple to keep automation approachable without forcing AI on those who don’t want it.
Safari beta 3 now welcomes first-time users with an overview screen showcasing new features like:
- Automatic tab organization
- Themed bookmarks
- Page change alerts
- Enhanced extensions support including the ability to create custom extensions
This onboarding step suggests Apple is preparing Safari for broader public beta testing, helping users discover new features more easily.
Other smaller updates include:
- A revamped Liquid Glass-style icon for Reminders
- Control Center icons that switch to black on certain lock screen wallpapers
- Route-setting tips in Maps
- A new Home app note requiring an iCloud+ 2TB plan for some Apple Intelligence features
- A 5G+ indicator for Indian users on supported carriers
macOS 27 and watchOS 27 beta 3 updates
Alongside iOS, Apple released macOS 27 Golden Gate beta 3, introducing two new wallpapers and screensavers named Golden Gate Sunset and Golden Gate Night. These feature subtle animations triggered when unlocking a Mac and can double as screensavers, marking a step toward wider audience testing ahead of public beta release.
The biggest highlight outside of iPhone is the arrival of new Siri AI on Apple Watch with watchOS 27 beta 3. Announced at WWDC 2026 but missing from earlier betas, this Siri overhaul launches with its dedicated watch app. Its icon sits prominently in the apps grid, automatically surrounded by contextually relevant apps.
A standout feature is cross-device continuity: you can start a Siri conversation on Apple Watch and seamlessly continue on iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Vision Pro without losing context. This integration demonstrates Apple’s ambition for Siri to be a comprehensive assistant across its ecosystem.
Currently, iOS 27 beta 3, macOS 27 Golden Gate beta 3, and watchOS 27 beta 3 are available to developers. If Apple follows its usual schedule, public betas will launch in July through the Beta Software Program, with final releases expected this fall alongside new iPhone models. Early betas can have rough edges, including potential performance and battery issues, so installing on primary devices is not recommended.
As Apple refines features and expands AI capabilities, iOS 27 aims to elevate how Siri and automation function across devices. The success of Siri’s unified presence will be key this year, especially as Apple competes with Google and Microsoft, who have integrated AI assistants deeply across platforms. How well Apple balances privacy, performance, and AI in iOS 27 could shape the assistant’s future.