Apple Releases First Betas of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 to Developers [Download]

Apple has officially seeded the first developer betas for its next generation of operating systems, rolling out iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27.



The initial test builds arrived just hours after the company detailed its software roadmap during the WWDC 2026 keynote. Registered developers can now download iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 (build 24A5355q), macOS 27 (build 26A5353q), watchOS 27 (build 24R5289n), tvOS 27 (build 24J5289o), and visionOS 27 (build 24M5291p).


Much of the focus in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 centers on the next generation of Apple Intelligence. The updates introduce Siri AI, giving the assistant a dedicated app, deeper system integration, and on-screen awareness. The underlying AI architecture also brings Spatial Reframing to Photos, automatic tab organization in Safari, and a new text-based automation tool in Shortcuts.

Mac users will see visual updates to the Liquid Glass interface, which now features more uniform toolbars and edge-to-edge sidebars in macOS 27. Across the mobile platforms, an updated CPU scheduler allows apps to launch up to 30 percent faster and speeds up AirDrop transfers by 80 percent.

The betas also pack in expanded parental controls, bundling Ask to Browse web restrictions and daily Time Allowances into a redesigned Screen Time dashboard. EU developers installing the iOS and iPadOS betas will find that Apple's new Siri AI features are currently blocked to comply with Digital Markets Act requirements.

Apple updated its hardware requirements in a few areas for this cycle. The macOS 27 release requires an Apple silicon Mac, while tvOS 27 is limited to the second-generation Apple TV 4K or newer. The visionOS 27 build supports both the original headset and the latest M5 configuration.


Developers can install the betas over the air by navigating to the Software Update menu within Settings. Full restore images are also available to download directly from the Apple Developer Center.