Apple has released the iOS 27 public beta, opening its redesigned Siri AI assistant to users beyond its developer program for the first time.

The release represents Apple’s largest test yet of the new assistant ahead of the broader iOS 27 launch expected this fall. Apple reported an installed base of more than 2.5 billion active devices in January, although Siri AI is limited to supported hardware, regions and languages.

Apple introduced Siri AI at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June as a complete rebuild of its voice assistant. The company is positioning it as a more personal and capable alternative to AI assistants including ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude.

Siri AI can search across a user’s messages, emails and photos, answer questions based on content displayed on the screen and complete actions across supported applications. It can also use current information from the web to answer broader questions and maintain longer conversations.

Users can access the assistant through the traditional “Hey Siri” command or the iPhone side button. They can also swipe down from the Dynamic Island to open a conversation or use Siri through its new standalone application. On iPad and Mac, Siri AI is integrated into Spotlight.

The assistant is available across Apple’s broader product ecosystem, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, CarPlay, AirPods and Vision Pro. Apple said watchOS support would arrive through a later developer beta.

Siri AI is powered by Apple Intelligence and the company’s latest Foundation Models. Some tasks are processed directly on the device, while more complex requests can be handled through Private Cloud Compute, which Apple says does not store or share user data.

Early versions of the assistant have shown improvements in finding specific photos, summarizing messages, creating calendar events from conversations and answering questions related to content visible through the camera or on the screen. Testers have also reported errors and occasional difficulty understanding certain requests.

Apple’s public beta program allows users to test prerelease software and submit feedback before the final version launches. The company warns that beta software may contain errors and recommends backing up devices before installation.

Siri AI is initially available in English on supported devices. Apple has said the assistant will not initially be offered on iPhone and iPad in the European Union, while availability in China remains delayed as the company works through regulatory requirements.