Apple is set to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into the iPhone camera app through a new Siri-powered mode, which will be introduced in the upcoming iOS 27 update. This move by Apple aims to enhance the capabilities of Siri and bridge the gap with competitors such as OpenAI and Google, who have been leading in AI technology.
According to information from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple will integrate the Visual Intelligence feature into the camera app as a new toggle option alongside the existing Photo, Video, Portrait, and other modes.
The integration of AI into the camera is part of Apple’s strategy to deepen the use of AI across its ecosystem. The new Siri mode will allow users to point their camera at objects, text, or scenes and receive real-time information. Beyond just capturing images, the camera will be able to recognize and interpret what it sees, enabling users to ask questions, identify objects, scan text, and perform various tasks like adding events or saving contact details.
This feature is expected to be unveiled with the iOS 27 update, likely to be announced in June at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Reports also suggest that Apple will revamp the camera’s shutter button with a new design inspired by Apple Intelligence branding, replacing the current white capture button associated with the Visual Intelligence feature.
These enhancements in Apple’s visual AI technology could pave the way for the introduction of new hardware featuring an advanced Siri version, possibly in wearable form to offer improved understanding and analysis of surroundings. While there have been reports about restructuring within Apple’s internal teams regarding the Vision Pro, it does not signal the end of Apple’s spatial computing ambitions. Instead, it indicates a shift in focus towards AI and next-generation experiences, with a potential future emphasis on lighter, more practical devices like smart glasses as technology evolves.