(Bloomberg) — Apple Inc. is preparing a wave of artificial intelligence features for its next iPhone and iPad operating systems, including a grammar checker and new shortcut options, part of an effort to narrow the gap with capabilities available on rival devices.
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The features are planned for iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The additions include new AI-powered writing tools, the ability to create systemwide shortcuts using natural language and custom wallpaper generation, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans haven’t been announced.
Apple will introduce the new operating systems at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, ahead of the software’s release to the public in September. The iPhone maker is racing to catch up with hardware rivals Samsung Electronics Co. and Alphabet Inc.’s Google, which have moved ahead of Apple in consumer AI features.
Last week, Google unveiled the Android 17 operating system and Gemini Intelligence, adding features such as the ability to create home screen widgets with AI. There’s also a new “Rambler” dictation mode that filters out filler words, as well as tools capable of handling tasks like syncing grocery lists from a notes app with a food delivery app.
Apple’s upcoming AI capabilities include a new Siri mode for analyzing visual data through the camera app, as well as multiple editing tools for the Photos app, Bloomberg has reported. The features are launching alongside an overhauled Siri assistant that includes a redesigned interface and deeper app control capabilities.
A spokesperson for Cupertino, California-based Apple declined to comment.
As part of the expanded AI-powered writing tools, the company is planning a grammar checker that works similarly to Grammarly’s software. The system appears in a translucent menu that slides up from the bottom of the screen and displays original text alongside suggested revisions.
Users can accept individual suggestions, approve all changes or ignore them altogether. There are also controls to pause grammar checking and navigate between flagged sections of text. The feature builds on the Writing Tools suite introduced in 2024, which includes proofreading and text summarization capabilities.
