Free iPhone upgrade is coming soon - 6 best new features and how to get it first

There's a big free update coming to your iPhone, and it's definitely one to watch out for. iOS 27 was announced last week and will be pushed out to devices in the autumn as part of Apple's yearly upgrade cycle. Once installed, this new operating system will bring improvements to the Siri assistant, make editing photos easier and allow you to tweak the on-screen appearance. Apple is also promising a boost to the overall performance of phones running this software. So, if you are excited by the thought of some changes coming to your phone, here's everything you need to know, including what's new, how to get it and what devices are compatible.

Siri has come in for its fair share of criticism in recent years, but things are about to get a whole lot better for anyone who loves chatting to the smart assistant on their devices. In fact, Siri is receiving one of its biggest upgrades ever! This will make it better at finding information, responding to messages and understanding more complex requests. It will also help organise calendars, create to-do lists and even assist with travel planning. For example, you can ask Siri questions such as, "What flight is mum on today?", or "What time do I need to leave to get to Bristol?", and you should get a decent and detailed response.

A new Visual Intelligence mode is being integrated directly into the Camera app. Simply point your iPhone at an object to receive instant information. Scan a restaurant bill to split costs with friends, or point the camera at a meal to get nutritional insights.

This change could be one of the most popular. Apple is boasting that iOS 27 will offer noticeable speed improvements across its iPhone lineup. That includes older devices as well, and not just the latest and greatest models. Apple says that apps will launch up to 30% faster, photos will load more quickly in the library, and AirDrop transfers are expected to be up to 80% faster.

Owners of older models, such as the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12, could see some of the biggest gains. With a speed bump coming, it could help extend the life of these devices and mean less need to consider upgrading.

New way to customise your iPhone

Apple introduced its eye-catching Liquid Glass design last year when it unveiled iOS 26. Now this glossy look will be more flexible with iPhone users able to tweak the settings. In iOS 27, you'll find a new transparency slider that lets you control exactly how glass-like the interface appears. So, you can adjust it from crystal clear to deeply tinted, creating a look that suits your style. Apple says the feature was added following user feedback, as not everyone fell in love with Liquid Glass.

Along with that new slider, the US company is also refreshing several app icons, including Apple Maps, giving them a sharper and more detailed appearance.

Every photo is Instagram-ready

Apple is adding a suite of upgraded photo-editing tools in iOS 27 that make complex edits effortless. For example, you'll be able to remove unwanted people and objects just by circling what needs deleting on the display. There's also a quick way to expand image backgrounds and make professional-looking adjustments without specialist software.

One final upgrade is a new feature called Spatial Reframing. This will allow you to reposition subjects in photos long after the original image was captured. It's clever stuff and should mean every snap taken is ready for social media in a flash.

Stronger, smoother connectivity

Ever get annoyed when streaming content via Wi-Fi and then lose the connection when head outside? iOS 27 is designed to keep users connected more reliably than ever. The update allows iPhones to switch from Wi-Fi and 4G or 5G networks more seamlessly, reducing interruptions when moving between these connections.

Whether you're following directions as you leave home or taking a FaceTime call after landing at an airport, the transition should feel much smoother, with far fewer annoying dropouts.

Apple will offer a very smart free upgrade, but only if your iPhone is on this list

AirPods get an audio boost

AirPods users are getting more control over their listening experience. A new AirPods Custom EQ feature will allow users to fine-tune bass, mid-range and treble levels to match their personal preferences.

The result is a more tailored sound profile that lets you get the most from your music, podcasts and movies.

iOS 27 won't officially launch until the autumn, but that doesn't mean you have to wait that long. Apple will release its public beta next month, which means users can give it a go long before it's launched later in the year. It's worth noting that the beta isn't the finished software and can have the odd glitch and bug, but it is a nice way to check out what's coming and try the latest features.

HERE IS THE FULL LIST OF COMPATIBLE IPHONES

iPhone 17 Pro Max • iPhone 17 Pro • iPhone Air • iPhone 17 • iPhone 17e

iPhone 16 Pro Max • iPhone 16 Pro • iPhone 16 Plus • iPhone 16 • iPhone 16e

iPhone 15 Pro Max • iPhone 15 Pro • iPhone 15 Plus • iPhone 15

iPhone 14 Pro Max • iPhone 14 Pro • iPhone 14 Plus • iPhone 14

iPhone 13 Pro Max • iPhone 13 Pro • iPhone 13 • iPhone 13 mini

iPhone 12 Pro Max • iPhone 12 Pro • iPhone 12 • iPhone 12 mini

iPhone 11 Pro Max • iPhone 11 Pro • iPhone 11

iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)