Apple has not announced iOS 27 yet, but the first iOS 28 rumor already gives next year’s update a much bigger weight, especially because it lines up with the iPhone’s 20-year anniversary in 2027.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said Apple has started early work on iOS 28, iPadOS 28 and macOS 28, with next year’s “28” releases “already shaping up to be far more significant” than the iOS 27 cycle.
Don’t miss the best of The Mac Observer
Set us as a preferred source and our Apple reporting ranks higher in your Google Search results and Discover feed — one tap, no account changes.
iOS 28 to arrive with Apple’s anniversary iPhone
The timing matters because iOS 28 should ship alongside Apple’s redesigned 20th-anniversary iPhone, which is expected in September 2027. Apple reportedly uses the codename “Bell” for iOS 28 and iPadOS 28, while macOS 28 carries the codename “Poppy.”
Gurman said Apple is now developing individual features, apps, designs and improvements, but has not pulled everything into the final operating systems yet.
iOS 27 is expected to focus on Apple’s delayed Siri reboot and more Apple Intelligence features. The update should bring a dedicated Siri app with synced iCloud conversations, plus a chatbot-style view that supports text, voice and attachments.
Apple also plans deeper personal context features, on-screen awareness and a “Search or Ask” interface for the Dynamic Island.
The early iOS 28 detail suggests Apple is saving its bigger software swing for the anniversary iPhone, while iOS 27 focuses on fixing Siri and laying the AI groundwork.
Discussion