At WWDC 2026, Apple showcased the main new features of its systems for the coming year: the focus was on the updated Siri with artificial intelligence, which owners of compatible devices can already try, and on system stability. But some iOS 27 features were left out of the presentation. According to Bloomberg insider Mark Gurman, three more notable capabilities are in development and should be released closer to September, in time for the launch of new iPhone and Apple Watch models.
Tim Cook kept silent about three features
These are not confirmed announcements but information from a leak, so they should be treated as a forecast: Apple’s plans may still change before the release.
New Apple Watch Face with Large Clock
The first feature: a simplified version of the Modular Ultra watch face, which was previously available only on Apple Watch Ultra. According to the source, the new variant will keep the large clock in the center but will remove the second row of widgets (small blocks with weather, steps, activity).
Currently an Apple Watch Ultra exclusive, but apparently not for long
Why this matters. Modular Ultra is valued for its readability: the large numbers are visible at a glance, without squinting. The simplified version, according to the leak, makes the face cleaner and likely opens it up to simpler models, not just the expensive Ultra. The watch face wasn’t shown at WWDC, so expect it in September, along with the new Apple Watch.
Who it matters to. Primarily those who love minimalist watch faces with large time display and find the second row of small blocks distracting. If you’re already using standard watch faces and everything works fine, it’s a nice touch rather than something to wait for.
Third-Party AI Chatbots in Siri: How It Should Work
One of the main rumors around iOS 27 is that Siri will learn to connect third-party AI services, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. Currently, Apple only supports ChatGPT, and this is the result of a partnership with OpenAI established back in 2024 for the first version of Siri’s AI integration.
Third-party AI can be connected to Siri
But the future plan is different. According to the source, Apple wants to give apps the ability to integrate directly into Siri, without a separate agreement with each company. The difference is fundamental: this is already a standard third-party integration, so the previous privacy guarantees likely won’t apply here, since it’s not a partnership but an open connection mechanism.
Apple, according to Bloomberg, has already discussed the new system with OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, including what permissions developers will need to obtain for embedding into their apps. But nothing has launched yet.
Siri may learn to connect third-party AI services
Gurman names several possible reasons for the delay:
- it conflicts with Apple’s stance against the European Digital Markets Act (DMA)
- if powerful third-party models are connected right away, the new Siri risks getting lost in their shadow
- Apple may want to avoid a legal dispute with OpenAI
- simultaneous integration with Gemini and third-party services could confuse users
What this means in practice. If the feature launches, any major AI company will be able to connect to Siri, and users will be able to use its capabilities directly through the voice assistant.
Customizable Camera App in iOS 27
The third feature: a fully customizable Camera app, where controls can be moved wherever is most convenient for you personally. In the first developer test version, this wasn’t included, although other camera innovations have already appeared, such as Siri directly in the Camera app.
Camera elements can be arranged however you like
According to the source, the camera customization will almost certainly be shown in September, alongside the launch of iPhone 18 Pro. The logic is simple: such features are held back to make the launch of new iPhones look more exciting.
Camera controls can be rearranged to suit your preferences
Who this will be useful for. Those who frequently shoot and are bothered by the default button layout: mode switching, flash, timer. The ability to move buttons to match your grip and habits is a small but noticeable convenience in everyday photography.
When the New iOS 27 Features Will Appear on iPhone
The main thing to remember: this is a leak, not an official announcement. These capabilities weren’t shown at WWDC, and plans may shift or change before release.
In short: the simplified watch face and camera customization look like pleasant, understandable improvements that aren’t worth stressing over separately — they’ll come.
