iOS 27 Public Beta is here: Apple opens the testing phase to everyone

Apple has released the public beta of iOS 27. This allows users to try out the new features for the first time without a developer account – not only on iPhone, but also on iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. However, one key new feature remains unavailable to testers in the EU for the time being.

Since the launch of the developer betas at WWDC 2026, testing of iOS 27 has been exclusively within the developer community. With the public beta, Apple is now opening the testing phase to everyone. Technically, the public beta is identical to the current developer version – the advance notice allows Apple to iron out the most noticeable bugs beforehand. Access is granted via free registration in the Apple Beta Software Program, not through a paid developer account.

These systems are available as a public beta

Apple has released the public betas for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 ("Golden Gate"), watchOS 27, and tvOS 27. Additionally, HomePod software 27 and updated AirPods firmware are available for testing.

VisionOS 27 is not part of the program: The testing phase for the Apple Vision Pro remains reserved for registered developers. Those who want to try out the new features on the Vision Pro will therefore continue to rely on the Developer Beta.

This is how the public beta gets onto the device

The prerequisite is free registration in the Apple Beta Software Program at beta.apple.com using your Apple account. The test version then appears directly on your device under "Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates," where you can select the corresponding public beta. On a Mac, the process is similar, via System Preferences. All steps are explained in detail, including backup and reverting to the stable version. Instructions for installing the iOS Public Beta.

Whether your device even supports the new generation can be seen in the overview of the compatible devices for iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS „Golden Gate”. The cut is particularly noticeable with the Apple Watch, because watchOS 27 drops support for five older models.

Things to consider before installation

Even though the public beta is considered more stable than the initial developer versions, it remains test software. Bugs, unexpected crashes, increased battery consumption, and problems with individual apps are still possible. Apple itself advises against installing it on a device that needs to function reliably in everyday use.

Therefore, using a secondary device is recommended. Those who still choose to use their primary device should create a complete backup beforehand – reverting to the stable version without backed-up data is not easily possible. For those who prefer the developer channel: The Developer Beta has also been available with a free Apple account since 2023.

What iOS 27 brings

The defining theme of iOS 27 is the fundamental overhaul of Siri, which Apple has introduced under the name Siri AI. Siri responds in a more conversational manner, understands on-screen content as well as personal context, and can combine information from the web as well as from messages, emails, and photos. Conversations can be accessed across devices via a dedicated app.

Furthermore, iOS 27 includes a fully customizable camera app, new AI tools in the Photos app, the "Create a Pass" feature in Wallet, and adjustments to the Liquid Glass interface. Previous test versions have already refined these new features: The second beta noticeably accelerated Siri AI. and brought "Write with Siri" directly to the keyboard, which The third beta introduced a redesigned AirPods interface with a customizable equalizer..

Siri AI will remain excluded from the EU for now

For testers in Germany and Austria, there is a significant limitation: the central new feature of iOS 27 cannot initially be tested in these countries. Apple cites restrictions imposed by the Digital Markets Act (DMA) as the reason why Siri AI will be released later in the EU than in other regions. The fact that the DMA is slowing down Siri AI on iPhones and iPads is primarily due to the requirements for interoperability with third-party providers.

Switzerland is not part of the EU and therefore not subject to the DMA – availability there is not affected by this delay. Siri AI thus joins a growing number of Apple features that are missing or delayed in the EU. Those who install the public beta in Germany or Austria will therefore see the interface and app updates, but not the revamped assistant.

iOS 27: Here's what's next

The public beta will be continuously updated throughout the summer, running parallel to the developer betas. The final version of iOS 27 will be released in the fall, traditionally alongside the next iPhone generation. Until then, it's worth looking at Apple's past practices: Not everything presented at WWDC necessarily makes it into the first final version – Apple has removed certain features during the testing phase in the past and only added them later in subsequent updates. (Image: Shutterstock / Eric Bouchard)