Apple rolled out major software updates across all platforms at once on 14 September (US time): iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS. The main selling point this round isn't flashy features but speed that users can really feel in daily life.
On iPhone and iPad, apps open up to 30% faster, photos load up to 70% faster after you press the shutter, and sending files over AirDrop is up to 80% quicker. On iPad, opening files and transferring data to an external USB drive is up to 5 times faster, along with smoother multitasking window switching.
On connectivity, switching between mobile data and Wi-Fi on iPhone/iPad is smoother. In Messages, sending a large photo or video on a weak signal no longer blocks the other messages sent after it. Apple Vision Pro users get up to 3 times faster boot and Wi-Fi connection. Search in Spotlight, Photos and Mail is also more accurate and stable, with a new search ranking system in the Mail app.
The Liquid Glass design introduced last year has been retuned to look more transparent and be easier to use. A slider in Settings lets you adjust transparency from fully clear to fully tinted, as you like. App icons are also sharper and have more depth.
Other highlights in this update
Shared iCloud photo libraries now support full resolution, and it's easier for Android and Windows users to join shared albums. The Health app adds tracking for perimenopause and menopause to its cycle tracking feature.
AirPods users can set their own EQ, and AirPods Pro 3 connect to Apple GymKit, syncing heart rate through iPhone. On the Apple Maps side, Flyover mode is upgraded, blending AI with aerial photography to look more realistic.
On Apple Watch, Smart Stack widgets automatically suggest relevant widgets, which you can open with a single tap. Apple TV gets high-resolution Lossless audio for Apple Music, a redesigned Podcasts app, and more comprehensive text size options for users who need help with vision.
Child safety tools, redesigned across the whole system
One area Apple put a lot of weight on this round is child safety features. A new child account setup flow makes it easier to turn on age-appropriate protections. Parents can choose in detail which apps their child can use and gradually unlock more later. The Ask to Browse feature forces children to ask permission before visiting any new website in Safari, every time.
Communication Safety is upgraded to detect and block violent or gory content in photos and videos shared with the child. Screen Time has been redesigned entirely, with a view that shows your child's average usage and top apps all in one place, plus tools for scheduling when entertainment apps, games and social media are allowed at different times of day. It was developed together with child development experts.
In short: who this update is for
This update is free for every supported Apple device. It suits everyone who already uses Apple devices, especially families with young children who want finer control tools, while heavy daily users will feel the speed boost from the very first day of updating.
All information and images are from the official website apple.com/th/newsroom
