Beyond Siri: iOS 27 Introduces Practical AI Features for iPhones

Key among the new features is an enhanced bill-splitting function within Apple Cash. Users will be able to photograph a restaurant receipt, and the AI will extract itemized details, allowing individuals to select their ordered items and split the total cost, including tax and tip, among group members via messages. This feature integrates seamlessly with existing communication and payment tools.

Password security is also being bolstered with an AI-driven feature that identifies weak or compromised passwords. The system will then securely navigate websites, sign in, and update these passwords to more secure versions without requiring manual user action. This addresses the growing threat of data breaches impacting user credentials.

The Messages app will see significant AI integration, offering one-tap suggestions based on conversation context. For example, it can prompt users to add requests to reminders, suggest relevant photos to share, or offer to add dinner plans to the Calendar. Similarly, the Call Context feature aims to reduce friction when contacting customer service by surfacing necessary information, such as reservation details, directly on the call screen by leveraging data from the Mail app.

Adding events to the Calendar will become more intuitive, allowing users to simply describe the event in natural language, with Apple Intelligence extracting details like contacts and locations. The Shortcuts app is also being made more accessible, enabling users to create automations by describing their desired outcome rather than navigating complex scripting. For smart home users, the Home app will use AI to consolidate multiple related notifications into a single, more meaningful alert, and improve search functionality for specific events like package deliveries.

Furthermore, the Safari web browser will gain an AI-powered tab organizer that groups open tabs into relevant topics, such as travel planning, to streamline research and browsing. Apple emphasizes that these AI functionalities are processed on-device to maintain user privacy, ensuring that personal data is not exposed to Apple or third parties.