Cupertino: Apple has released the second developer beta of iOS 27, introducing several new features and refinements, including a dedicated Siri mode within the iPhone’s Camera app. The update marks another step in the company’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence more deeply into everyday smartphone experiences.
The new feature arrives as part of Apple’s revamped Siri experience, which was unveiled during the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026 earlier this month. While the first developer beta focused primarily on foundational improvements, the latest version introduces more visible AI-powered capabilities for users.
Siri mode comes directly to the Camera app
The new Siri mode joins existing camera options such as Photo, Video and Portrait, giving users a new way to interact with their surroundings.
Instead of simply capturing images or videos, the Camera app can now help users identify and understand objects, places and information visible through the camera lens.
The feature incorporates Apple’s visual intelligence capabilities directly into the camera interface. Previously, similar functions were accessible through the Camera Control button and operated as a separate experience outside the Camera app.
With iOS 27 beta 2, users can now access these features without leaving the camera interface.
Point the camera and get information instantly
Apple’s new Siri mode allows users to point their iPhone camera at objects or locations and receive contextual information in real time.
For example, users can direct the camera towards a restaurant and instantly access its listing on maps, including details such as operating hours, customer reviews and location information.
The feature is designed to reduce the need for manual searches by allowing Siri to analyse visual information and provide relevant details and actions based on what the user is viewing.
The company says the enhanced Siri experience is aimed at making interactions more natural and intuitive.
Part of Apple’s broader AI push
The revamped Siri was one of the major announcements at WWDC 2026, with Apple promising more natural conversations, improved visual intelligence and smarter interactions across applications.
The latest update suggests that the company is gradually rolling out these capabilities through successive beta releases before the public launch of iOS 27 later this year.
Technology analysts believe the integration of AI tools directly into core applications such as the Camera app could make advanced features more accessible to a wider range of users.
Accessibility and convenience at the forefront
Industry observers note that placing Siri’s visual intelligence capabilities inside one of the iPhone’s most frequently used applications is a practical move from both usability and accessibility perspectives.
By embedding AI features directly into the Camera app, Apple aims to make information retrieval faster and more seamless, allowing users to interact with the world around them in a more intuitive way.
More features and refinements are expected in upcoming beta releases as Apple continues testing iOS 27 ahead of its wider rollout.