Apple adds memory and more languages to Siri AI in iOS 27.2

Expanding Siri's capabilities

Apple has officially released iOS 27.2, which serves as the first major update for the iOS 27 cycle. This update brings significant changes to Siri AI, the rebuilt assistant that Apple first introduced in a beta version this past September. The goal of these updates is to make the assistant more capable of handling complex, multi-step tasks for users.

A major part of this update is the expansion of language support. Siri AI now functions in French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish in addition to English. Apple plans to add more languages, including Norwegian, Turkish, and Vietnamese, by the end of the current year.

While these features are now live, the assistant is still technically in a beta state. To use these new capabilities, users must ensure their device is set to one of the supported languages. The update also rolls out to several other platforms, including iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS.

The introduction of AI memory

One of the most notable additions in iOS 27.2 is a memory system for Siri AI. This allows the assistant to remember details from previous interactions with the user. For example, if a user asked for restaurant recommendations last week, they can now ask Siri to recall those specific suggestions in a future conversation.

This memory works by drawing on a wider array of personal data across the device. Siri can now access photos that were sent through Messages, people invited to events in the Calendar, and even voicemails. It can also look at Safari history and the user's Reading List to provide more relevant context for its responses.

By connecting these different data points, the assistant aims to provide a more cohesive experience. Instead of requiring the user to repeat information every time they ask a question, Siri can pull from the history of the user's digital life. This makes the assistant feel more like a personal companion that understands ongoing projects or preferences.

Privacy and user controls

With Siri gaining access to more personal information, Apple has introduced new tools to help users manage their privacy. A new setting called Excluded Apps allows users to choose exactly which applications Siri, Search, and suggestions can access. This provides a centralized location to toggle permissions rather than managing them on an app-by-app basis.

The update also improves how users interact with the assistant's output. Users now have the ability to select and copy only a specific part of a Siri reply rather than the entire block of text. This small change makes it easier to move specific pieces of information into other apps or notes without extra editing.

In the Messages app, the software now suggests actions based on the flow of a conversation. For instance, if a dinner invitation is mentioned, the system might suggest adding that event directly to the Calendar. These features are designed to streamline how people manage their daily schedules and communications through the iPhone.

Hardware and regional limits

Not all devices are eligible for these new Siri AI features. To run the updated assistant, users need an iPhone 15 Pro, an iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any model from the iPhone 16 lineup or newer. These hardware requirements ensure that the device has the necessary processing power to handle the more complex AI tasks introduced in this version.

There are also significant regional restrictions on where these features can be used. Siri AI is currently unavailable in the European Union due to the Digital Markets Act. Apple stated that they are working constructively with the EU to find a path forward for these features in the future.

Additionally, the assistant is not available in mainland China at this time. Apple has indicated that its first AI features are scheduled to arrive in that region in December. For users in the EU, the update does include a different change: an expanded prompt for App Tracking Transparency to help manage how apps track user data.

Other notable software updates

Beyond the focus on Siri, iOS 27.2 includes several other functional updates for the ecosystem. The Photos and Image Playground apps now support SynthID, which is a watermark used to identify images created or modified by generative tools. This helps users distinguish between real photos and those altered by AI.

The Apple TV app is receiving a new profile system for each person in a household, which helps personalize content. FaceTime is also getting an update that allows for the addition of a third-party sign language interpreter or a live captioner during calls. These features aim to make the devices more accessible and organized for families.

Other small changes include a new icon and branding for Apple Music and a warning system for Shared Albums in Photos that alerts users before an album expires. For Mac users, macOS Golden Gate 27.2 brings the same Siri memory and Messages suggestions found on the iPhone. Older devices can also receive a security update via iOS 26.7.2.