The team has been working hard behind the scenes laying a strong foundation for the Thunderbird iOS app. Rather than leveraging existing code, we are building natively from scratch. This fresh start allows us to take everything we’ve learned from Thunderbird Desktop and Android to ensure a fast, reliable, and modern experience on your iPhone right from the start.
Our ultimate goal is seamless cross-device experience. Whether you’re sitting at your desktop computer, checking messages on the go, your workflow should feel effortless and unified.
Right now, we are focused heavily on getting the core foundations right. We are excited about the momentum because having clean architecture today means we can layer on exciting new features much faster in the future.
Below we’ve captured some of our work in progress. Nothing is final, but we wanted to share what we are cooking up so far. If you have feedback, keep reading on. At the bottom of the post we have a link to a user research study where we want to hear from you and what you want to see from Thunderbird for iOS.
Hassle-free setup
Adding account user flow with options for email services like Google and Microsoft
We know people are really busy, often doing more than one thing at a time. We’re making login fast, secure, and fully automatic, so whether you’re signing in with a single click or setting up multiple accounts, you can get to your inbox quickly.
Solid reliable connections
Thunderbird inbox
An email app is only as good as its connection. Behind the scenes, we’re building a background sync that maintains a steady connection with your provider that keeps your inbox up to date while respecting your battery life.
Core daily tools
Formatting toolbar (highlighted to show the details)
Your daily email routine should feel effortless. We’re polishing the essentials: a clutter-free, easy-to-read inbox layout paired with a clean, modern editor that lets you format messages smoothly without getting in your way.
Designed for growth
Thunderbird has always belonged to its community. We’re structuring the app with clean code and an experimental feature flag system so it’s easy for community developers to contribute. This means power users will be able to test out new experimental features early, and external contributors can easily help us extend what the app can do.
When can you try it?
Our goal is to have a first version ready for community testing in the next few months.
Building with our community, not just for people, is core to what we are trying to do. To help us decide what to build next after our first release, we’d love your input. If you had to pick the top three things that matter most to your daily email routine, what would they be?
Survey link Update: the survey has now closed. Thanks to all that responded!
A note to the community
Lastly, we know how long many of you have been asking for and waiting for Thunderbird on iOS. Whether you’ve dropped a comment on our forums, tagged us on social media, or simply kept an eye on our progress, thank you for your patience!
Bringing Thunderbird to iPhone and iPad isn’t just about building an app; it’s about doing it right so it serves you reliably for years to come. Today, we want to pop open the hood, share where we are, and work with everyone to design the best possible experience.
Apple’s September event may not have been Apple’s final event of 2026 – another launch could be coming on October 13.
Apple typically has four main event windows each year: a spring event, WWDC in June, the iPhone event in September, and sometimes a further event in October. The company rarely confirms dates far in advance, and there’s no guarantee it will hold an event in every window. That leaves Apple fans – and anyone considering a new Apple device – wondering when the next event will happen and what might be announced.
Fortunately, Apple’s annual schedule is fairly predictable, while reliable rumours often provide additional clues about what’s coming. That means we can make informed estimates about the timing of future keynotes and the products most likely to appear.
Here’s everything we know about the event Apple could hold later in 2026 and beyond.
When is Apple’s next event?
Next rumored product launch: October 13, 2026. An event remains unconfirmed.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has claimed on X that Apple will launch its “next big thing” on October 13, referring to new smart-home products. Apple has not confirmed the date, and it remains unclear whether the company will hold an event or announce the products through its website and press releases.
Apple hasn’t announced a date for another event in 2026, but it is possible that more new products will launch at an event, or via press release, before the end of the year.
Apple has held October events in the past: in 2023, an event was held on October 30, while in 2021 Apple held one on October 18. With the iPhone Duo launching on October 22, Apple may want to avoid clashing with that launch, making the following week, beginning October 26, a plausible window for another event or product announcements.
What could Apple launch at the next event?
The rumored lineup centers on Apple’s first smart-home display, often called HomePad. Gurman describes a 6-inch screen mounted above a speaker base on a manually tilting arm, plus a separate wall-mounted version. Updated HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K models with faster processors are also expected.
Other rumored launches include new iPads and a touchscreen MacBook Pro, but this report does not establish that they will arrive alongside the smart-home products.
Apple event calendar 2026: What has Apple launched this year?
Timescale
Event theme
Dates
Products
March
Special Experience
2-4 March
Launched: iPhone 17e, MacBooks Neo, Pro & Air, iPad Air
June
WWDC
June 8
Unveiled plans for: iOS, macOS, other software, AI and Siri
September
iPhone event
September 9
Launched: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Duo, new Apple Watch, AirPods 5
October
Rumored smart-home launch
October 13 (rumored)
Possible: HomePad, HomePod mini, Apple TV
Late 2026
Other possible announcements
Unconfirmed
Possible: Touchscreen MacBook, iPads
Spring 2027
TBC
TBC
Expected: iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, iPhone Air 2
Apple has held three events so far in 2026, although the first was not an event in the traditional sense. On March 4, the company invited select media to hands-on “experiences” in multiple locations. In the run-up to that date, Apple launched several products via press release, including the iPhone 17e, M4 iPad Air, and M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro, M5 MacBook Air and the MacBook Neo.
The second event was WWDC, which began with a keynote on June 8. At the WWDC keynote Apple outlined the upcoming changes to its operating systems, including iOS 27 and macOS 27 Golden Gate.
Here’s when the 2026 Apple events might take place.
Foundry
FAQ
1.
How far in advance does Apple announce an event?
Apple usually announces its events around one to two weeks before they take place, although the timing varies. That means an October event could still be announced fairly late in the month. Apple may also choose not to hold an event at all and instead unveil new products through press releases, as it has done with a number of recent Mac and iPad launches.
2.
What time does the next Apple event start in U.S., U.K. and other global time zones
Apple keynotes usually start at 10 am PT. A future event would likely follow the same pattern. That translates to the following times in the countries where most of our readers live:
U.S.: 10 am PDT, 11 am MDT, 12 pm CDT, 1 pm EDT
Canada: as above, plus 2 pm ADT
U.K.: 6 pm
Europe: 7 pm CEST, 8 pm EEST
India: 10:30 pm IST
Australia: next day — 1 am AWST, 2:30 am ACST, 3 am AEST
New Zealand: next day — 5 am NZST
The timings are generally the same for all Apple Keynotes, but can be slightly different if Apple holds the event during the period of a couple of weeks when the clocks have changed in the U.S. but not elsewhere (in 2026 the clocks will change in the U.S. on November 1, while in the U.K. they change on October 25).
Sometimes Apple holds events at different times, for example, in October 2023 the event was held in late afternoon in San Francisco, which meant it was midnight in the U.K.
If Apple doesn’t hold an event and instead just issues a press release, that usually happens around 8 am PT, 11 am ET and 4 pm U.K. time.
3.
How long do Apple events usually last?
Apple keynotes usually last between one and two hours and feature the CEO alongside various other Apple executives. With John Ternus succeeding Tim Cook as CEO on September 1, 2026, this will be his first major product keynote in the role.
WWDC and the September event tend to be longer keynotes; the spring and late-fall events can be slightly shorter.
For example, the September 2024 event was 1 hour 38 minutes.
4.
How often does Apple hold events?
There can be as many as four Apple events in a year:
Spring Event
WWDC in June
iPhone Event in September
Late Fall Event in October
This event calendar is by no means set in stone, though, with the spring and October events being less regular. Some years, Apple doesn’t hold a spring event at all. In 2025 Apple only held two events, preferring instead to announce new products via press release.
5.
Does Apple take part in other events?
Apple doesn’t participate in major industry trade shows such as CES and IFA. Instead Apple invites the press and industry professionals to Apple Park to hear all about its latest products and services. Apple calls these ‘events’ and it streams them live online to millions of viewers.
6.
Does Apple ever announce products without an event?
Apple frequently announces products without a keynote event, often opting for press releases or multi-day announcement windows. In recent years, the company has increasingly reserved its large-scale media events for major flagship launches, such as the primary iPhone lineup in September, while using press releases for iterative updates or “chip bumps” that may not warrant a full hour-long presentation.
7.
How to watch an Apple event
Apple events are typically broadcast across several digital platforms, allowing viewers to tune in from almost any device. While the company previously restricted access to its own hardware or the Safari browser, these barriers have been removed in recent years.
You can access live Apple presentations through the following official channels:
YouTube: This is often considered the easiest way to watch. Apple streams its keynotes live on its official YouTube channel, which can be accessed via any web browser or the YouTube app on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Apple.com: The company hosts a dedicated “Events” page on its official website. For the best experience on a PC, it is recommended to use Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 or later.
Apple TV App: The stream is available within the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV hardware. Keynotes are usually listed in the app’s lineup a day or two before the event begins.
Apple Podcasts: Apple also showcases its events through the Podcasts app on Apple devices, where you can watch the video presentation.
You may also like to tune in to our Live Blog which will provide minute-by-minute text updates and analysis as products are announced.
Following the end of the event, detailed breakdowns will also be available on the Macworld Podcast, which can be found on Spotify, Soundcloud, and Apple Podcasts.
Will Apple have a second fall event in 2026?
Apple
Will there be a late fall event in 2026?
The latest reporting points to a smart-home launch on October 13, although its presentation format remains unclear. Apple could announce these products without holding a keynote.
The last time Apple held a late fall event was on October 30, 2023, and before that on October 18, 2021. So while a late fall event would not be unprecedented, it has become relatively uncommon.
Right now, there is no way of knowing whether Apple will hold another event in late 2026, or whether it will continue to launch new products through press releases instead. In the past, October events have often focused on Macs, but in recent years Apple has shown that it does not always consider a dedicated event necessary for Mac launches.
What could Apple launch at the late fall 2026 event?
Apple’s next launch could focus on smart-home products, including the rumored HomePad display, an updated HomePod mini and a new Apple TV 4K. The latter two are expected to feature faster processors that could support Siri AI features.
Other possible launches before the end of the year include the rumored touchscreen MacBook Pro and updates to the iPad and iPad mini. However, it remains unclear whether Apple would announce these alongside its smart-home products, hold a separate event or introduce them through press releases.
Apple’s spring events have become increasingly unpredictable. The company has not held a traditional spring event since May 2024, although it did invite members of the media, including Macworld, to a “Special Apple Experience” in 2026.
Rather than a keynote presentation, the March 4, 2026 gathering was a hands-on showcase that followed three days of product announcements, including the MacBook Neo, iPhone 17e, and M5 MacBook Air.
Will Apple take a similar approach to spring product launches in 2027? It’s certainly possible. The format appeared to work well, allowing each product announcement to receive its own media coverage rather than competing for attention during a single event.
Apple is expected to release three iPhone models in spring 2027 – or it could be two new iPhones, with the Air and iPhone 18 merging.
Apple may also update the MacBook Air with an M6 processor in spring 2027.
When is WWDC 2027?
Foundry
When is the WWDC keynote?
In 2026 the WWDC keynote was on Monday June 8. In 2025 it started on Monday June 9. We expect WWDC will start on Monday 7 June in 2027.
WWDC generally runs from the Monday to Friday in the second week of June.
What Apple could launch at WWDC
WWDC is Apple’s big developer event at which it reveals plans for the operating systems that run on Apple hardware.
In June 2027 we expect Apple to unveil details of iOS 28, iPadOS 28, macOS 28, updates to watchOS, tvOS, HomePod software, and an update to Apple’s realityOS.
Apple sometimes announces new hardware at WWDC, usually the high-end models targeted at power users, so we could see new Macs.
So far in 2026 Apple has held an ‘experience’, which rather than being an event in the traditional sense, was a chance for journalists to get a look at products Apple had launched in the days prior, including MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e. The company also hosted the WWDC keynote on June 8, at which it revealed its plans for Apple Intelligence and Siri in iOS 27, macOS 27 and the other operating systems. Plus Apple held its iPhone launch event on September 9 at which the iPhone 18 Pro and Max, iPhone Duo, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5 launched.
In 2025 Apple only held two events. The first was its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, at which it introduced the new features coming in the next version of its operating systems, and the second was the huge September 9 Apple Event where it launched new Apple Watches, new AirPods Pro and the new iPhones for 2025.
Apple doesn’t have to hold an event to launch new products though. Prior to WWDC, Apple launched a new iPhone 16e via press release on February 19, a new iPad and iPad Air via press release on March 4, and a new MacBook Air and Mac Studio on March 5.
Apple then went on to launch a new M5 MacBook Pro and M5 iPad Pro in October. No event was held to mark these launches.
In 2024, Apple held three events: one on Tuesday, May 7, at which it launched new iPads; a keynote to kick off WWDC on June 10; and an event on September 9 at which Apple unveiled the new iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10 and the AirPods 4. In October 2024 there was no event, but Apple did announce new products (iMac, Mac mini and MacBook Pro) via press release.
In 2023 there were three events: WWDC in June, an iPhone event in September, and Apple’s second fall event on October 30 (or after midnight on October 31 if you weren’t in the U.S.).
In 2022 Apple held three events: a spring event on March 8, WWDC on June 6, and the iPhone 14 launch on September 7. In other years Apple has held four events though.
Foundry
When were Apple’s past events?
Spring Apple events have been held on the following dates:
2026: ‘Experience’ Wednesday March 4
2025: No event
2024: Tuesday May 7
2023: No event
2022: Tuesday March 8
2021: Tuesday April 20
2020: No event
2019: Monday March 25
2018: Tuesday March 27
2017: No event
2016: Monday March 21
2015: Monday March 9
2014: No event
2013: No event
2012: Wednesday March 7
WWDC events have fallen on the following dates:
WWDC 2026: June 8 (8-12)
WWDC 2025: June 9 (9-13)
WWDC 2024: June 10 (10-14)
WWDC 2023: June 5 (5-9)
WWDC 2022: June 6 (6-10)
WWDC 2021: June 7 (7-11)
WWDC 2020: June 22 (22-26)
WWDC 2019: June 3 (3-7)
WWDC 2018: June 4 (4-8)
WWDC 2017: June 5 (5-9)
Here are the past few Apple September event dates:
2026: Wednesday, September 9
2025: Tuesday, September 9
2024: Monday, September 9
2023: Tuesday, September 12
2022: Wednesday, September 7
2021: Tuesday, September 14
2020: Tuesday, September 15
2019: Tuesday, September 10
2018: Wednesday, September 12
2017: Tuesday, September 12
In the past, Apple has held a second fall event on the following dates:
2025: No event
2024: No event
2023: Monday, October 30
2022: No event
2021: Monday, October 18
2020: Tuesday, October 13 and Tuesday, November 10
If you own an older iPad – or are considering buying a refurbished iPad – you may be wondering how long Apple will continue to support it and whether you should update to a newer model.
Apple has one of the best software support records in the industry. Many iPads receive major iPadOS updates for six to eight years, and some continue to receive security updates even after they stop getting new features.
As of September 2026, iPads that can run iPadOS 27 receive Apple’s current operating system and are fully supported. Some older models that cannot upgrade to iPadOS 27 are still receiving security updates through older versions of iPadOS. Eventually every device reaches a point where Apple stops providing software updates and hardware repairs though.
Here’s what you need to know about how long iPads remain supported, when it’s time to upgrade, and which older models are still worth buying.
Does Apple support my iPad?
Fully supported iPads can run the latest version of iPadOS, currently iPadOS 27.
Apple’s iPadOS 27 compatibility list includes the 4th-generation 12.9-inch Pro, 2nd-generation 11-inch Pro, 4th-generation Air, 9th-generation iPad and 6th-generation mini.
Unfortunately, iPadOS 27 dropped support for:
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
iPad Air (3rd generation)
iPad (8th generation)
iPad mini (5th generation)
Those models have not been abandoned, however. Apple released iPadOS 26.7 on September 14 and iPadOS 26.7.1 on September 28 for the iPads that cannot move to iPadOS 27.
Older models that cannot run the latest release may continue to receive security updates for several years. However, once Apple stops providing security patches, users may encounter increasing security risks and app compatibility problems.
Apple may continue providing security updates for devices that can no longer run the latest iPadOS for several years. For example, the 7th-generation iPad still receives iPadOS 18 security updates, with iPadOS 18.7.10 released on August 17, 2026. The 2nd-generation iPad Pro and 6th-generation iPad run iPadOS 17, which was updated to version 17.7.11 in May 2026. Apple also issued security updates for iPadOS 16 and iPadOS 15 at the same time.
Apple does not promise how long it will maintain each older version of iPadOS. The arrival of iPadOS 27 has already shifted the support picture: iPadOS 26 remains supported for devices that cannot upgrade to iPadOS 27, while the 7th-generation iPad remains on the iPadOS 18 security branch. If your iPad can no longer run the latest version of iPadOS and is no longer receiving security updates, it is nearing the end of its practical lifespan.
Check the chart below to see whether your iPad can run iPadOS 27 or is still receiving security updates.
The iPads supported by iPadOS
.
.
Foundry
How long does Apple support iPads?
Foundry
Apple doesn’t publish a fixed support timetable for iPads, but historically many models have received around six to eight years of major operating-system updates, followed in some cases by additional years of security updates. The precise lifespan varies by model.
With iPadOS 27, the oldest supported Pro generation is the 2020 iPad Pro: the 11-inch 2nd generation and 12.9-inch 4th generation.
Support generally falls into two stages:
Major iPadOS updates
Most iPads receive new versions of iPadOS for several years after launch. These updates include new features, interface changes and compatibility improvements.
Devices that support the latest version of iPadOS – currently iPadOS 27 – are considered fully supported. Devices that support iPadOS 27 receive Apple’s current operating system, although some individual features have newer hardware requirements.
Security updates
Even after an iPad stops receiving major feature updates, Apple often continues to provide security patches for older versions of iPadOS.
These updates fix vulnerabilities, maintain compatibility with Apple’s services and help extend the safe lifespan of older devices.
For many iPads, security support continues for years after major software support ends.
Apple continues to issue security updates for several older iPadOS versions. As of September 2026, the clearest examples are iPadOS 26.7.1 for iPads dropped by iPadOS 27, and iPadOS 18.7.10 for the 7th-generation iPad. Apple also periodically patches still older systems for older hardware.
Why security updates matter: The risks of using an unsupported iPad
Britta O’Boyle
Security updates are particularly important because they protect your data and device from newly discovered vulnerabilities.
Without security updates, an iPad becomes increasingly exposed to threats and may eventually lose compatibility with essential services.
An iPad that still receives security updates can remain suitable for many everyday tasks.
Once an iPad stops receiving security updates, it becomes increasingly difficult to recommend using it for anything involving personal information.
Potential issues include:
Security vulnerabilities that are never patched
Banking and payment apps ceasing to work
App Store compatibility problems
Loss of support for services such as FaceTime and iMessage
Difficulty activating or restoring the device
Reduced performance and battery life
Unsupported devices may continue functioning, but their usefulness declines over time.
Which iPads support iPadOS 27?
Apple
These iPads are compatible with iPadOS 27 and are considered fully supported:
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation and later)
iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation and later)
iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and later)
iPad Air (4th generation and later)
iPad (9th generation and later)
iPad mini (6th generation and later)
Which iPads are stuck on iPadOS 26 but still get security updates?
Some iPads that cannot upgrade to iPadOS 27 are still receiving security updates through iPadOS 26. Apple released iPadOS 26.7.1 on September 28, 2026, for these older models.
The iPads that are limited to iPadOS 26 include:
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
iPad Air (3rd generation)
iPad (8th generation)
iPad mini (5th generation)
These iPads no longer receive the major new features introduced in iPadOS 27, but Apple is continuing to provide security updates for them.
What about older iPads that can’t run iPadOS 26?
Some older iPads are still receiving security updates even though they cannot run either iPadOS 27 or iPadOS 26.
For example, Apple released iPadOS 18.7.10 on August 17, 2026, specifically for the 7th-generation iPad.
Other, even older iPads may occasionally receive security updates for earlier versions of iPadOS, but these updates are less frequent and shouldn’t be taken as a guarantee of ongoing support.
When does Apple stop repairing iPads?
Dominik Tomaszewski/IDG
Software support isn’t the only factor that determines an iPad’s lifespan. Apple also classifies older devices as Vintage or Obsolete based on how long ago it stopped distributing them for sale.
These classifications relate primarily to hardware repairs and parts availability, rather than iPadOS support. An iPad can therefore be classified as vintage while still receiving software or security updates.
Vintage products
Products become Vintage when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than five years ago but less than seven years ago. Repairs may still be available, subject to parts availability.
Vintage iPads
Apple currently classifies the following iPads as vintage:
iPad Air (Cellular models)
iPad Air (3rd generation)
iPad Pro 10.5-inch
iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
iPad (6th generation)
Certain older iPad Wi-Fi + 4G models
Obsolete products
Products become obsolete when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than seven years ago. Apple then discontinues hardware service, and Apple-authorized service providers can no longer order replacement parts.
Obsolete iPads
Original iPad
iPad 2
iPad (3rd generation)
iPad (4th generation)
iPad (5th generation)
iPad Air
iPad Air 2
iPad mini
iPad mini 2
iPad mini 3
iPad mini 4
iPad Pro 9.7-inch
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation)
FAQ
1.
How many years do iPads get updates?
Most iPads receive major iPadOS updates for approximately six to eight years, with security support often continuing beyond that.
2.
Is an old iPad still safe to use?
An older iPad that continues to receive Apple security updates is considerably safer to use than one that no longer receives patches, although app and service support may still decline as the device ages.
3.
Can I use an iPad after Apple stops supporting it?
Yes, but you may encounter security risks, app compatibility problems and hardware repair limitations.
4.
Which versions of iPadOS does Apple support with security updates?
Apple provides security updates for the current version of iPadOS and may continue to patch older versions for devices that cannot upgrade. As of September 2026, Apple is providing iPadOS 26.7.1 for models that cannot run iPadOS 27, while the 7th-generation iPad has received iPadOS 18.7.10. Apple also occasionally issues security updates for still older versions, but it does not publish a fixed support timetable.
5.
What is Apple’s oldest supported iPad?
It depends what you mean by supported. The oldest iPads receiving the latest iPadOS are newer than some models that continue to receive security-only updates. Apple also occasionally issues security fixes for much older devices, so the oldest model receiving some form of support can change when new patches are released.
6.
How can I find out how old my iPad is?
To identify your iPad:
Open Settings
Go to General
Tap on About
Find the Model Name
You can then compare your model with the list above to see what year that iPad was introduced.
7.
Why do some iPads lose support sooner than others
The processor and RAM inside an iPad plays a major role in determining how long it remains supported.
More powerful models generally remain compatible with new features for longer, while entry-level models tend to reach the end of software support sooner.
This is especially important as newer versions of iPadOS introduce increasingly demanding features and AI capabilities.
8.
Should I buy an older iPad?
A refurbished iPad can still be a good purchase, but we recommend choosing a model that supports the current version of iPadOS whenever possible. Read: Best place to buy a refurbished iPad.
If you’re planning to keep the iPad for several years, avoid models that are already limited to security updates only.
For most buyers, choosing an iPad released within the last two generations offers the best balance of performance, longevity and value.
After years of complaints about its limitations and poor overall performance, Siri finally received its long-overdue AI-centric overhaul with iOS 27. The virtual assistant now has a large language model (LLM) foundation, allowing it to comprehend natural speech and discuss a wider range of topics, uniquely analyze what’s visible on your screen, surface your personal data, and perform in-app actions when prompted.
But while Siri AI undoubtedly addresses many of our main issues with its knowledge, its position in iOS 27, while technically still in beta mode but very much available to everyone, introduces a whole new set of drawbacks. From questionable design decisions to lingering unreliability, the new Siri still has a long way to go.
Stealing the Spotlight
Spotlight Search was once one of the best tools to find any local file, launch apps, define words, run shortcuts, calculate, and much more. It was predictable, and it worked well; you swipe down anywhere on the Home Screen to reveal the search bar, start typing, and on-device results would instantly populate and update as you enter your keywords in real time. That was until Siri AI stole its spot and downgraded the entire system.
As of iOS 27, the same gesture reveals a Search or Ask field powered by Siri. Instead of immediately showing you a list of all relevant, on-device results, it now tends to highlight only one local item and prioritizes relaying your search query to Siri. You still get a button to show all results, but the overall workflow is now unintuitive and time-consuming. I often find myself quickly hitting search to locate something, only for Siri AI to take over and give me something I didn’t want.
I get why Apple decided to merge the two functionalities, but many users agree that Spotlight Search and Siri are two very different tools that serve unique purposes. Taking away Spotlight’s predictability defeats the point of the quick search feature. And don’t get me started on the smaller touch target for the Notification Center.
Siri intrudes on too many menus in iOS 27.
Foundry
Writing fools
Spotlight Search isn’t Siri AI’s only new home. iOS 27 also brings Writing Tools under the broader Siri umbrella, degrading the user experience in the process.
Since its initial debut a couple of years ago, I’ve actively relied on the Proofread feature to pinpoint typos and double spaces in my articles. Unlike asking an AI chatbot to proofread, it strictly amends language errors, sparing you from the infamous robotic recommendations and unwanted stylistic tweaks. It’s also less prone to hallucinating or skipping through the text.
With the latest update, Writing Tools are now part of the Write with Siri feature, which prioritizes generating text from scratch rather than simple editing. When I select a passage, the Proofread button doesn’t always show up—and manually asking Siri to proofread the selection gets me a subjective AI chatbot response rather than triggering the objective editing flow.
Even when the native Proofread button appears, its functionality has been botched. The system used to offer arrows to jump between applied edits to review and revert them as needed; I might be missing it, but it’s seemingly gone now, along with the change counter on macOS. So I have to carefully scan the entire text manually to detect the subtly underlined words where edits were made for the final revision. The whole thing is just unintuitive.
Pushy buttons
Siri AI’s takeover can be perceived across the entire system—beyond Spotlight Search and Writing Tools. You’ll notice there’s a new Ask Siri button in context menus all over iOS 27, a design choice that is both intrusive and nonsensical. Siri has a dedicated hardware button, a voice command trigger, and a new universal software gesture; it is accessible anywhere at any time through three distinct methods.
A simple splash screen or onboarding flow informing users about the assistant’s upgraded capabilities would’ve been sufficient for them to learn they can ask Siri about anything now. The same could be said about the new persistent Siri mode in the overloaded Camera app, when Visual Intelligence has long been accessible via the Control Center toggle, Action button, and Camera Control button.
Willful ignorance
Having lived abroad for half a decade, I often come across social media posts written in foreign languages. Prior to Siri AI’s launch, I’d simply its predecessor to have ChatGPT explain what’s on my screen. This would intuitively upload a screenshot to OpenAI’s servers and deliver the response through Siri’s native interface.
With iOS 27, you can still ask Siri for ChatGPT responses, but ChatGPT’s ability to see what’s on your screen is neutered. Given that Siri AI can now handle the task itself, one would shrug it off—except that Siri AI isn’t as smart as OpenAI’s offering.
Siri AI’s ability to translate, one of the things AI is supposed to be great at, leaves much to be desired.
Foundry
When I ask Siri AI to analyze foreign text on an image and break down the context, it tends to bring up an instance of Apple Translate, which is exceptionally unreliable at understanding casual, online lingo. So, I need to repeatedly rephrase my prompt and beg Siri AI to eventually agree to analyze the text itself using its knowledge rather than Apple Translate. This adds unnecessary friction and complication to a feature that had long worked smoothly. Siri AI is perfectly capable of handling cultural nuances and foreign slang, and its LLM-powered responses should be the default for this type of request.
Severed servers
Have you missed classic Siri’s “I’m not sure I understand” responses? You’ll be delighted to learn that they live on through Siri AI’s “Something went wrong” error message. While the AI chatbot now does understand most queries, the service frequently gets interrupted and disconnects from Apple’s servers. This often forces you to start over a conversation, which is particularly problematic given that Siri AI cannot recall previous conversations or build and maintain a memory.
Beyond randomly slowing down or failing altogether, the Siri app itself feels half-baked. The interface isn’t as fluid as other native apps, and it sometimes silently defaults back to asking Siri while conversing with the in-app ChatGPT model. Other annoyances include repeatedly mishearing voice commands and asking for clarification on whether I meant X or Y—an issue I never encountered with the old Siri. The app could also use a true voice mode and fewer or more subtle “I’m an AI, please verify info” alerts.
It’s still in beta, of course, but Siri gets tripped up far too often.
Foundry
Whatcha say?
The Siri app’s poor performance is even worse when accessing it from your wrist. watchOS 27 infamously dropped support for all Apple Watches older than the Series 9—presumably to ensure fluidity. Nevertheless, Siri AI is almost unusable on all recent models, taking much longer than before to perform basic tasks and often failing completely. Given that complaints are all over the web, this certainly isn’t an isolated bug. Virtual assistants are designed to speed up life and make it easier, and sadly Siri AI is failing at its core purpose.
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