Joanna Stern Finds New Siri 'Genuinely Useful' in iOS 27 Beta
The revamped assistant delivers on long-promised context-awareness by synthesizing data across Apple's core apps.
Apple's long-awaited overhaul of Siri appears to have finally arrived. Tech columnist Joanna Stern, who has been testing the iOS 27 beta since June, reports that the revamped assistant is delivering on capabilities the company has promised for years.
The new Siri marks a departure from basic command-and-control interactions by integrating deeply with a user's personal data. According to Stern and reports from Business Insider, the assistant can now access and synthesize information across iMessages, Safari, and Apple Mail. This allows Siri to answer complex, personal queries by pulling context from the user's own communications and browsing history to provide specific, relevant answers.
The Road to iOS 27
This update follows a period of mixed reception for Apple's AI ambitions. While the initial rollout of "Apple Intelligence" in 2024 was viewed by some industry observers as underwhelming, the iOS 27 version focuses on deep integration. By moving beyond standalone AI features and instead weaving the assistant into the fabric of the operating system's data, Apple aims to create a more intuitive experience that understands the user's life and schedule.
A Shift in iPhone Utility
This evolution represents a strategic pivot for the iPhone. For several cycles, Apple's primary selling points have centered on incremental hardware improvements, such as enhanced camera sensors or longer battery life. However, a truly context-aware Siri shifts the value proposition toward fundamental utility. If the assistant can reliably manage personal logistics and information retrieval, it transforms the device from a tool for running apps into a proactive personal coordinator, potentially making even older hardware feel more capable.
What to Watch
Despite the progress, the experience is not without its flaws. Stern noted that "some old Siri quirks" remain even in the current beta. However, she emphasized that the new capabilities are significant enough to change user behavior, stating, "the capabilities of the new Siri just push you to use it so much more. You want to use it."
Apple is expected to release iOS 27 to the general public in September. The industry will be watching to see if the stability and context-awareness observed in the beta hold up during a global rollout.