Apple plans iOS 27 “Snow Leopard” update to fix performance issues
Apple’s development roadmap for iOS 27 prioritizes deep artificial intelligence integration and a comprehensive under-the-hood cleanup designed to enhance system performance and battery efficiency. This strategy follows the release of iOS 26, which introduced the Liquid Glass design language but resulted in noticeable performance degradation, particularly on older iPhone models. The upcoming operating system update aims to rectify these issues through extensive code optimization and architectural refinements.
The company’s approach to operating system development follows a distinct cadence, periodically dedicating major releases to stability and optimization rather than feature expansion. This methodology mirrors the strategy employed with Mac OS X Snow Leopard in 2009, a release that prioritized speed and reliability over new user-facing capabilities. By stripping away legacy code and refining existing frameworks, Apple aims to create a more responsive and efficient software environment.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, writing in his Power On newsletter, Apple intends to adopt this refocusing strategy for iOS 27. Gurman reports that the company will systematically clean up the operating system by removing obsolete code, rewriting existing features, and subtly upgrading applications to improve their performance. These foundational changes are expected to result in a lighter, more responsive operating system. Gurman also indicates that Apple plans to implement UI tweaks specifically designed to mitigate the performance overhead introduced by the Liquid Glass interface in iOS 26.
As a direct result of these architectural optimizations, sources suggest iOS 27 could deliver measurable improvements in battery life. This focus on power efficiency represents a significant engineering priority, marking the first time since iOS 12 in 2018 that Apple has mounted a major initiative specifically targeting iPhone performance and battery conservation. The company aims to provide users with extended usage times without compromising system capabilities.
Alongside system-wide performance improvements, Apple reportedly plans to significantly enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities within iOS 27. The strategy includes deeper AI integration across the entire operating system and the development of a more conversational, chatbot-style interface for the Siri virtual assistant. This represents a shift toward more natural user interactions and context-aware processing throughout the device ecosystem.
Apple has encountered significant delays and public criticism regarding the rollout of its initial AI features, prompting scrutiny regarding its competitive position against industry rivals. The development and release of iOS 27 presents the company with its most substantial opportunity to reset market expectations and demonstrate its ability to compete aggressively in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The success of these initiatives will likely determine Apple’s standing in the technology sector’s ongoing artificial intelligence competition.