Apple released iOS 27 beta 3 today, giving developers the second follow-up update since iOS 27 debuted at WWDC. Developers can download the new beta now, ahead of this month’s expected public beta release.

iOS 27 is a major iPhone update centered around Siri AI, Apple Intelligence, Liquid Glass refinements, and a long list of quality-of-life changes. Here’s what we’ve found so far in iOS 27 beta 3.

iOS 27 beta 3 details

iOS 27 beta 3 is available now for developer beta testers. The build number is 24A5380h. You can install the update by opening the Settings app, choosing General, then Software Update. From there, select iOS 27 Developer Beta under Beta Updates. As with any early beta, we do not recommend installing iOS 27 beta 3 on a primary iPhone. You should expect bugs, battery life issues, app compatibility problems, and other rough edges until Apple gets closer to the fall release.

iOS 27 beta 3: What’s new?

Here are some changes we’ve found in iOS 27 beta 3 so far.

• Reminders has an updated app icon with hollow, colored bullet points instead of solid color bullet points.
• Apple Intelligence assets are redownloaded for some users between beta 2 and beta 3, resetting access to new Siri in the meantime.
• Indexing text in the Settings app has been updated to say “Optimizing Search and Siri.”
• Siri Mode in Camera also requires updated Siri, per UI in Camera app.
• Siri voice customization sliders for Pace and Expressivity work when accessing updated Siri.
• New Golden Gate Bridge wallpapers and screen savers are added in macOS 27 Golden Gate.
• watchOS 27 beta 3 introduces Siri AI support and the standalone Siri app.
• Safari lists four new features upon launching the app: automatically organize tabs, browse bookmarks by topic, get updates with notify me (page change tracking), and do more with extensions (create custom extensions).
• Specular highlights appear softer on app icons, noticeably adjusting the look of clear and tinted icons.
• Shortcuts now includes an option to launch into the action view for editing, not just the new natural language input method.
• Status bar in Control Center now shows cellular network signal and type, even on Wi-Fi.

Find anything else? Let us know at tips@9to5mac.com. Not every iOS 27 feature is available on every iPhone. The update supports iPhone 11 and later, plus iPhone SE 2 and newer, while Siri AI and other Apple Intelligence features require newer hardware.

Apple will continue beta testing iOS 27 throughout the summer. A public beta should arrive in July, followed by the official release for everyone in September alongside the new iPhone lineup. Have you found anything new in iOS 27 beta 3? Let us know in the comments.

To provide additional context, iOS 27 represents a significant leap forward for Apple’s mobile operating system. The update focuses heavily on artificial intelligence, integrating Siri more deeply into the system. Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered features, is designed to enhance productivity and personalization. Liquid Glass is a new design language that introduces translucent, fluid visual effects across the interface. The beta testing process allows Apple to refine these features based on developer feedback before a wider release.

Historically, Apple’s beta program has been instrumental in shaping the final version of iOS. Each beta iteration typically includes bug fixes, performance improvements, and occasionally new features. iOS 27 beta 3 continues this tradition, addressing issues from earlier builds while introducing subtle changes. The redownloading of Apple Intelligence assets suggests that Apple is modifying the underlying AI models, which could lead to improved accuracy and responsiveness. The updated Reminders icon reflects a broader design trend toward simpler, more vibrant icons in iOS 27.

The inclusion of Siri Mode in the Camera app is notable, as it allows users to control camera functions via voice commands. This feature is especially useful for taking hands-free photos or capturing moments when the user’s hands are occupied. Siri’s voice customization sliders are a welcome addition, giving users more control over how Siri sounds. The Pace and Expressivity sliders enable a more natural, human-like interaction.

In macOS 27 Golden Gate, the new wallpapers and screen savers featuring the Golden Gate Bridge align with the update’s theme. This is reminiscent of Apple’s past practice of naming macOS releases after iconic California landmarks. The design choice emphasizes Apple’s connection to its home state. watchOS 27 beta 3’s introduction of Siri AI support and a standalone Siri app marks a significant step for the Apple Watch, making it more independent from the iPhone.

Safari’s new features aim to improve browsing efficiency. Automatically organizing tabs reduces clutter, browsing bookmarks by topic helps users find saved pages faster, the notify me feature tracks page changes, and custom extensions offer greater functionality. These additions make Safari a more powerful tool for research and daily use.

The visual changes in app icons, particularly softer specular highlights, enhance the overall aesthetic. Clear and tinted icons now have a more refined appearance. Control Center’s status bar improvement provides at-a-glance information about cellular signal and type, even when connected to Wi-Fi, which is useful for diagnosing connectivity issues.

iOS 27 beta 3 is a significant update that brings several refinements and new features. As Apple continues to polish the operating system, users can expect a more stable and feature-rich experience by the time the public beta and final release roll out.

Source:9to5Mac News