In summary:
- Macworld reports that iOS 27 is expected to bring major redesigns to the Camera app and Siri, transforming how users interact with these core features.
- The Camera app may offer customizable widget-based interfaces for controls like depth-of-field and exposure, while Siri appears set to evolve into a conversational chatbot.
- These changes could significantly enhance user experience by providing more personalized interfaces and intelligent assistance across Apple devices.
WWDC is just a few weeks away, and we’re starting to get more details about the iOS 27 features Apple plans to show off. The latest comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who spells out some big design changes coming to the Camera app and Siri.
The new Camera app sounds like it will make iPhone photo enthusiasts very happy. Apple is leaning in to the idea that users know what they want, and will allow you to fully customize the interface. The current default setup will still exist, but you will be able to switch to an “advanced” mode, or choose your own options from an array of widgets. The widgets are split into categories like “basic,” “manual,” and “settings,” and will allow you to build the camera interface of your dreams.
The widgets include things like depth-of-field adjustment, timers, photo styles, exposure controls, and so on. There are new grid and leveling options, too. As previously reported, the Camera app will add a new Siri mode, similar to how it has modes for slo-mo or panoramic today, which will operate as a quick way to access Visual Intelligence.
Speaking of Siri, it has been widely reported that Apple will change the way we access Siri, and the visual representation while it is in action. Siri will become a full-fledged chatbot made for back-and-forth conversations similar to AI agents like Gemini or ChatGPT.
Siri’s activation animation is centered around the Dynamic Island now. When you invoke Siri with the side button or wake word, a “large, roughly pill-shaped Siri animation” appears around the Dynamic Island at the top of your iPhone. You’ll also be able to swipe down from the top center of your iPhone display, which will extend the Dynamic Island into a “Search or Ask” Siri interface. There will be a microphone icon to enter voice mode, too.
Whenever Siri gives you a result, you’ll be able to swipe down on the transparent result to enter a chat interface that looks similar to iMessage. You’ll be able to access this chat interface, and look at, search, or continue your past chats, via a dedicated Siri app as well.
Gurman’s report mentions a few other interface changes coming in iOS 27 as well. There’s a new Safari start page with four tabs (favorites, bookmarks, a reading list of saved articles, and browsing history), slight changes to the Weather app, and a completely new interface for the Image Playground app, along with some system-wide tweaks like a new keyboard animation.
Author: Jason Cross, Senior Editor, Macworld
Jason has written about technology for more than 25 years - first in the gaming press, then focusing on enthusiast PCs and general technology. He enjoys learning how complicated technology works and explaining it in a way anyone can understand.