https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/23/apple-focusing-on-software-quality-improvements-ios-27-next-year-report/ Skip to main content Toggle main menu Go to the 9to5Mac home page Switch site * 9to5Toys * 9to5Google * Electrek * DroneDJ * Space Explored * About * Privacy * * * * * * * * * * * Toggle social menu * * * Toggle dark mode Search for: [ ] Submit Toggle search form * Exclusives * Store * Podcasts + Apple@Work + Happy Hour + 9to5Mac Daily * Vision + Vision Pro + visionOS + Hands-on * iPhone + iPhone + iPhone 14 + iPhone 15 + iPhone 16 + iOS 18 * Mac + Mac + MacBook Pro + MacBook Air + iMac + Mac mini + Mac Studio + Mac Pro + macOS Sequoia * Watch + Apple Watch + Apple Watch Ultra + Apple Watch Ultra 2 + Apple Watch Series 10 + Apple Health + Apple Watch SE + watchOS 11 * iPad + iPad Pro + iPad Air + iPad mini + iPad + iPadOS + iPadOS 18 * Music and TV + Apple Music + AirPods + HomePod + Apple TV + tvOS 18 * Guides + Reviews + How Tos + AAPL + Apple Store + Apple Arcade + Apple Card + Apple Silicon + Apple One + Apple Fitness+ + CarPlay + Siri + HomeKit * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Toggle dark mode * AAPL Company * iOS 27 Apple to focus on 'quality and underlying performance' with iOS 27 next year: report Avatar for Michael Burkhardt Michael Burkhardt | Nov 23 2025 - 5:16 am PT 34 Comments iOS 27 concept This past year, Apple overhauled its design language across all of its major software platforms with the introduction of Liquid Glass. That dramatic redesign, coupled with a number of jam-packed feature releases over the past couple years, has resulted in many Apple users complaining about the overall quality of Apple software. According to today's Power On newsletter, Apple might finally be stepping back from new features, and instead focusing on underlying performance improvements. Let's discuss. iOS 27 to be a 'Snow Leopard-style update' Per Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is taking a step back from launching any major new software features at WWDC26. This applies to iOS 27 and macOS 27, as well as all of the companies smaller platforms, like watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. For the first time since iOS 12, Apple will be focusing on software quality, rather than flashy new features: Aiming to improve the software, engineering teams are now combing through Apple's operating systems, hunting for bloat to cut, bugs to eliminate, and any opportunity to meaningfully boost performance and overall quality. Like Snow Leopard set the groundwork for future overhauls and new types of Macs, iOS 27 will lay the foundation for foldable iPhones and other new hardware. Apple won't quite launch 'zero new features' like they claimed with OS X Snow Leopard back in 2009, however. According to Gurman, Apple still plans to release a number of new AI features with iOS 27, so the company doesn't continue to fall behind in the AI race. Currently, two major AI features are rumored for iOS 27: Apple's new AI health agent - launching alongside a potential Apple Health+ subscription, as well as the companies first AI-powered web search feature. These new features will shortly follow the launch of AI-infused Siri in iOS 26.4, which is largely anticipated to be powered by a special version of Google Gemini. Said custom version of Google Gemini will avoid sending data to Google's servers, thanks to a custom-built model for Apple's private cloud compute. Wrap up Outside of the heavy focus on software quality and other AI enhancements, Gurman also outlines three additional things to look out for with iOS 27: * Enhancements for enterprise users * 'Bespoke' features for users in emerging markets * Design tweaks for Liquid Glass Overall, iOS 27 is shaping up to be the one update that many Apple enthusiasts have wanted for many years: one that just focuses on polishing up the software. Top comment by Stephen Hood Liked by 6 people The timing makes a lot of sense with MacOS 27 dropping support for Rosetta (Windows Apps) and Intel Processors. Apple will be able to remove a lot of code and simplify things going forward. View all comments It remains to be seen whether or not iOS 27 will truly feel as polished as iOS 12 or OS X Snow Leopard, but nonetheless, I'm really happy to see Apple is headed in this direction. Does a renewed focus on stability in iOS 27 excite you? Let us know in the comments. --------------------------------------------------------------------- My favorite Apple accessory recommendations: * Anker MagSafe/Qi2 Ultra-Slim Battery Pack * Apple 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max * MOFT MagSafe Wallet Stand, fits up to 3 cards * Logitech MX Master 4 Mouse for Mac * ESR CryoBoost 3-in-1 25W MagSafe Charging Stand * AirPods Pro 3 (2x ANC vs AirPods Pro 2!) Follow Michael: X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram Add 9to5Mac as a preferred source on Google Add 9to5Mac as a preferred source on Google FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More. You're reading 9to5Mac -- experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don't know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel Featured from 9to5Mac * iOS 27 concept Apple to focus on 'quality and underlying performance' with iOS 27 next year: report Avatar for Michael Burkhardt Michael Burkhardt Nov 23 2025 * [apple-tv-the-sphere-movie-f1] Apple TV takes over Las Vegas Sphere for F1 weekend to promote movie and 50% off Black Friday offer Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo Nov 22 2025 * [ipados-multitasking] iPadOS 26: You need to try these new multitasking features [Video] Avatar for Fernando Silva Fernando Silva Nov 21 2025 * [Mac-mini-21] Here's why M4 Mac mini remains an unbeatable value, even a year after its debut Avatar for Michael Burkhardt Michael Burkhardt Nov 22 2025 [INS::INS] Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news: Comments Expand Close comments Expand Close comments Guides AAPL Company AAPL Company Breaking news from Cupertino. We'll give you t... iOS 27 iOS 27 Author Avatar for Michael Burkhardt Michael Burkhardt mbrkhrdt Michael is 9to5Mac's Weekend Editor, keeping up with all of the latest Apple news on Saturday and Sunday. He got started in the world of Apple news during the pandemic, and it became a growing hobby. He's also an indie iOS developer in his free time, and has published numerous apps over the years. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael Burkhardt's favorite gear [61wnlQgWpxL] Anker 25K Compact Battery Bank Featuring two built in cables, a built in display, multiple ports, a 25,000mAh capacity, and up to 100W of output - this is one of the best battery banks for recharging your entire Apple ecosystem on the go. AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) Despite a new version reportedly being around a corner, I still personally believe AirPods Pro 2 are a great deal. They're already equipped with USB-C, and continually gain new software features. With them consistently going on sale, it's a great purchase to make. Features like Adaptive Audio are incredible.