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Apple has released the third developer beta of iOS 27. Updated test versions of iPadOS 27, macOS 27 ("Golden Gate"), watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27 are also available. This marks the next step in the testing phase, which began at WWDC, leading up to the final release this fall.
The third beta follows the second test version, in which Apple already refined initial features and fixed bugs from the first. In the early stages of a new operating system, each new beta serves to gradually activate announced features, improve stability, and incorporate feedback from previous versions. Several months will pass before the final version is released in September, during which time Apple will initially provide new builds approximately every two weeks, switching to a weekly schedule shortly before the release.
iOS 27 Beta 3: What we know so far
At the time of publication, no official release notes detailing specific new features are available. The new version is currently being analyzed. A separate, more detailed report will follow as soon as any visible innovations, functional adjustments, or system-relevant changes are documented.
Especially in the early beta phases, Apple frequently uses this cycle to gradually unlock features that were presented at WWDC but not yet active. Minor changes to the user interface and individual system functions are also common during this phase.
Looking back: What iOS 27 brings
For the Kick-off of the test phase for WWDC 2026 Apple has unveiled its biggest overhaul of its systems in years. The defining feature is the fundamental redesign of Siri, which Apple has introduced as Siri AI. Siri responds in a more conversational way, understands on-screen content as well as personal context, and can combine information from the web as well as messages, emails, and photos. Conversations can be revisited across devices via a dedicated app. Siri can still be activated with "Hey Siri," the side button, or a downward swipe from the Dynamic Island.
For users in the EU, however, the launch of Siri AI is delayed: as with earlier features, Apple cites requirements under the Digital Markets Act as the reason why Siri AI is likely to arrive here later than in other regions. The specific provisions that cause the DMA to slow down Siri AI on iPhone and iPad stem above all from the requirements for interoperability with third-party providers.
Beyond Siri, iOS 27 includes a fully customizable camera app, new AI tools in the Photos app, the "Create a Pass" feature in Wallet, adjustments to the Liquid Glass interface, and a redesigned Safari home screen. The second beta already refined these changes. – Among other things, Siri AI reacted noticeably faster, „Write with Siri” moved directly to the keyboard, and iPhone Mirroring ran more stably again after the crashes of the first beta.
When can we expect the final release?
WWDC marks the unveiling, not the release. The final iOS 27 version typically appears in September, alongside the next iPhone generation. Until then, the system will go through several beta phases. Shortly before the official release, Apple usually makes a release candidate available.
Beta 3 is initially available to registered developers. Since 2023, a free Apple account has been sufficient for this – the setup process and the main risks are explained in the Developer Beta Installation Guide. As this is early test software, installation on a secondary device is strongly recommended.
Overview of the other systems
Alongside iOS 27 Beta 3, Apple has also released updated test versions of the other systems:
iPadOS 27 adopts the core new features of iOS 27 and adds iPad-specific enhancements. macOS 27 ("Golden Gate") brings its own optimizations for the Mac. watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27 receive further refinements and stability improvements during this phase.
Once specific changes in the individual systems have been documented, these will be addressed separately and in detail.
iOS 27: Here's what's next
With Beta 3, the most intensive phase of the annual software cycle continues. In the coming weeks, further features will be unlocked, refined, and tested for stability – most notably Siri AI. The full range of functions will likely only become apparent as the beta phase progresses. It's worth considering Apple's past practices: not everything presented at WWDC necessarily appears in the first version. In the past, Apple has removed individual features during the beta phase and only added them in later updates. As usual, a separate article will document the specific visible changes Beta 3 brings once the analysis is complete.
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