iOS 27: Apple plans massive AI upgrade for the Photos app
of Nils Ahrensmeier 
on April 28, 2026, 20:39 am | Write a comment
Apple is preparing a comprehensive update to its photo editing tools for the upcoming fall release of iOS 27. Under iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, the "Apple Intelligence" platform will receive in-depth generative capabilities to close the gap with Google's Pixel smartphones and Samsung's Galaxy series in the field of AI photography.
Apple Intelligence Tools: The new control center for image editing
So far, Apple's use of AI in the Photos app has been primarily limited to the "Clean Up" tool for object removal. With the upcoming operating system generation, the interface will be expanded to include a dedicated section called... Apple Intelligence Tools expanded. According to a report by Bloomberg News The focus is on four core functions that are intended to fundamentally change the workflow.
The new Extend tool is designed to allow users to generate image content beyond the original frame. With a finger gesture, the canvas can be enlarged, and the on-device AI then fills in the surroundings to match the subject – ideal for filling in missing edges in architectural photography, for example. Meanwhile, the Enhance function uses generative models to automatically adjust color, exposure, and overall image quality. proto raise the professional level.
Specifically for Vision Pro users, the Reframe function will also be introduced. This tool is designed for spatial photos and will allow users to shift the perspective of a photograph after the fact. For example, the viewing angle of an object can easily be corrected from a frontal view to a side view. At the same time, the existing Clean Up tool will be made more precise, as previous versions often struggled with artifacts.
Release still uncertain
However, development is not without its challenges. According to insiders, internal tests of the new tools are currently revealing reliability issues. In particular, the Extend and Reframe functions are reportedly not yet delivering consistently reliable results. Apple is facing the decision of postponing or functionally limiting individual features until the final release in September if the underlying models do not reach the necessary maturity in time.
In addition to image editing, Apple is planning a revamp of Siri. In iOS 27, the voice assistant will receive its own app, designed to resemble modern chatbots. Plans include a chat interface for text and voice queries, as well as support for multi-commands, allowing Siri to process several instructions within a single request. Users will also be able to integrate alternative AI agents from third-party developers via the App Store.