Apple confirms iOS 27 release date, satellite connectivity remains free (for now)

Along with the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro (Max) and the iPhone Duo, Apple officially confirmed today that iOS 27 will be released on Monday, September 14. The newly introduced models will ship with the latest version of iOS. The update can be installed on any compatible iPhone starting Monday, including:

• iPhone 11 | iPhone 11 Pro | iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 12 Pro | iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 | iPhone 13 mini | iPhone 13 Pro | iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 | iPhone 14 Plus | iPhone 14 Pro | iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16 | iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 17 | iPhone 17e | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
• iPhone Air
• iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

The biggest new feature in iOS 27 is Siri AI, a chatbot-like version of Apple’s voice assistant, though it’s only available on iPhones that support Apple Intelligence, such as the iPhone 17 Pro ($1,199 on Amazon). After the update, the Photos app will be able to extend images, essentially "zooming out", with the missing areas generated by AI. Image Playground is designed to generate more realistic images.

Apple also promises improvements for users who aren’t interested in AI features, such as enhanced performance, including 30 percent faster app launches, and improved search in the Mail app. An overview of the new features is available on Apple’s website.

Satellite SOS remains free – for now

Apple also took this opportunity to confirm that free access to the Satellite SOS feature, which has been supported since the iPhone 14, is now being extended for the third time. Users will be able to make emergency calls via satellite for free for at least another year before a subscription model is potentially introduced.