iOS 27 Beta 3: Siri AI on Apple Watch, Core Image RAW 9, and Every Major Update Across Apple's 2026 Platforms

Core Image RAW 9: The Biggest RAW Update in a Decade

Core Image RAW 9, shipping with iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and visionOS 27, is Apple's largest RAW processing overhaul since 2017 ^PF. It uses a tiled Core ML model on the Apple Neural Engine to perform machine-learning-powered denoising integrated directly into the demosaicing step ^WDT. The result is sharper images, more defined color, and dramatically reduced noise even at extreme ISOs ^DFF. RAW 9 supports nearly 800 camera models with per-camera calibration data and works on Fujifilm X-Trans CMOS sensors as well as standard Bayer sensors ^F1F. A new CIRAWFilter API lets third-party developers integrate RAW 9 into their camera and editing apps ^DWD. Multiple outlets call it "the biggest RAW processing update Apple has ever shipped" ^1F.

AudioAccessoryKit for Third-Party Audio

The iOS & iPadOS 27 SDK release notes confirm that AudioAccessoryKit now allows third-party audio accessory manufacturers to provide headphone information to the system, supporting fixed spatial audio and equalization ^DDD.

Extensions Framework (Still Pending)

The Extensions framework — which would allow third-party AI chatbots beyond ChatGPT to integrate with Siri, Apple Intelligence, Writing Tools, and Image Playground — is present in the underlying code of beta 1 but has not yet been publicly activated or announced ^M. It may arrive in a later beta or point release.

Additional Apple Intelligence Upgrades

Beyond Siri AI, iOS 27 features the next generation of Apple Intelligence with improved on-device processing, enhanced Writing Tools, and expanded Image Playground capabilities ^AB.

Expected Public Beta and Release Dates

Apple confirmed the public beta will launch in July 2026 ^M9. Based on historical patterns, the first public beta typically arrives about a week after the third developer beta, pointing to around July 14 ^DBF9. The final releases for all platforms — iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 (Golden Gate), watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27 — are expected in September 2026 ^DPWEE.

Platform Comparison: Key Features Across Beta 3

— = not announced or not applicable for that platform.

Caveat: Official developer release notes for watchOS 27 beta 3, tvOS 27 beta 3, and visionOS 27 beta 3 on Apple's releases page were not yet confirmed as of July 7, 2026. The iOS/iPadOS 27 beta 3 build is confirmed ^D. Siri AI on Apple Watch is officially confirmed by Apple's watchOS 27 page ^A and the WWDC keynote ^Y, but its full capabilities in the current beta cycle are still rolling out.