Apple Inc. is developing a new set of artificial intelligence features for its upcoming mobile operating system, iOS 27, as part of a broader effort to deepen AI integration across its ecosystem. The features, uncovered through backend code analysis by developer Nicolás Alvarez and reported by MacRumors, are expected to work directly within core system apps.
Among the most notable additions is an expansion of Apple’s Visual Intelligence capabilities. One feature under development would allow users to scan food nutrition labels and receive detailed breakdowns of ingredients and nutritional values. The data could be linked to the Health app, offering users a more seamless way to track dietary habits without relying on third-party services.
Another feature focuses on contact management. The system is expected to detect phone numbers and addresses from printed materials and prompt users to save them directly to their contacts. This builds on existing functionality that recognises dates and events, indicating a broader push to automate routine tasks through AI.
Apple is also working to enhance the Wallet app with the ability to create digital passes from scanned physical items. Tickets, membership cards and similar documents could be converted into digital formats automatically, reducing the need for manual entry. The move would bring Apple’s offering closer to similar features already available on competing platforms.
In the Safari browser, AI-powered organisation tools are being tested. A new feature could automatically generate names for tab groups based on their content, helping users manage multiple browsing sessions more efficiently. The system is designed to remove the need for manual sorting, particularly for users who keep large numbers of tabs open.
While the features have been identified through code strings, their final form and release timing remain uncertain. Some may appear in future updates rather than the initial iOS 27 rollout.
The developments are aligned with Apple’s wider strategy to embed AI more deeply into its software and hardware. Reports suggest the company is also working on new wearable devices, including smart glasses and upgraded AirPods with camera capabilities, which could rely heavily on Visual Intelligence features.
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2026, with a public release likely to follow in September alongside new iPhone models. The update is anticipated to mark a significant step in the company’s evolving approach to artificial intelligence, bringing more automation and contextual awareness into everyday user experiences.
