iOS 27 to Prioritize Performance and Stability Over New Features, Report Says

Apple Plans Major Software Refinement with iOS 27

After years of feature-packed iOS releases and the recent Liquid Glass design overhaul across its platforms, Apple is reportedly changing course with iOS 27. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter, the upcoming software update will prioritize "quality and underlying performance" improvements over flashy new features.

Snow Leopard-Style Approach

Gurman likens the strategy to Mac OS X Snow Leopard, which famously focused on refinement rather than new capabilities. This shift comes as Apple users have increasingly complained about software quality issues following several years of jam-packed feature releases combined with the dramatic Liquid Glass redesign introduced this past year.

The refinement focus will reportedly extend beyond iPhones to iPads and Macs as well, with Apple planning a comprehensive software cleanup to address persistent issues like overheating, battery drain, and various glitches that have plagued recent releases.

AI as the Exception

While performance and stability take center stage, Gurman notes one significant exception: AI upgrades. Apple is expected to continue advancing its artificial intelligence capabilities in iOS 27, making AI enhancements one of the few areas where users can expect substantial new functionality.

Why This Matters

For iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, iOS 27 represents a potential turning point in software quality. Rather than learning new features, users can expect their devices to run more smoothly, with improved battery life and fewer bugs. This refinement-focused approach suggests Apple is responding to user feedback about reliability issues that have emerged from rapid feature development in recent years.

The update is expected to arrive next year following Apple's typical annual release schedule, bringing much-needed stability improvements to devices across Apple's ecosystem.