Apple’s public betas for iOS 27 and more are out now

Apple has just released public betas for iOS 27 and other major OS updates that are set to publicly launch this fall. The big new feature this year is Siri AI, the delayed AI-powered revamp to Siri. It actually works — which is big praise! — though it keeps things brief.

Other betas available now include iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, and macOS 27 Golden Gate. If you want to test out Apple’s upcoming updates, fair warning that you may run into issues like unexpected glitches or a battery that drains faster than you’re used to. Use your best judgment on whether you should actually install the beta or wait to install an update until it’s officially released. But if you’re willing to roll the dice and live on the edge, installing public betas gives you a chance to peek into Apple’s future. (Though I strongly recommend backing up your device before installing a beta, just in case you need to roll things back.)

To join the iOS 27 public beta program, visit this page on Apple’s website and click the button to sign up. Once you’ve done that — and backed up your device, which you did, right? — open the Settings app, then go to General > Software Update. At the top of your screen, you should see a section for “Beta Updates.” Tap that, and then select the iOS 27 public beta.

For other Apple products, the steps to get set up on the beta are generally similar.