Apple’s iOS 27 brings a new generation of artificial intelligence features to compatible iPhones, led by a significantly upgraded Siri and expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities. While the operating system supports iPhone 11 and newer models, some of its most advanced AI functions require more recent hardware.
For users concerned about battery life, performance or privacy, however, keeping every AI feature switched on may not be the preferred option. Apple provides controls that allow iPhone owners to disable Siri and limit other services when they are not needed.
What’s new in iOS 27?
iOS 27 introduces a range of changes across Apple’s mobile operating system, with artificial intelligence playing a central role.
The headline development is a more capable Siri, designed to provide more personalised assistance and make better use of information available on a user’s device. Apple Intelligence also expands the system’s generative features and its ability to understand information displayed on screen.
Although iOS 27 itself is available for iPhone 11 and newer devices, the full range of Siri AI and Apple Intelligence capabilities requires newer hardware. Supported models for the advanced features include the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, as well as more recent compatible devices through to the iPhone 18 Pro range.
The difference is important for New Zealand consumers who may keep their phones for several years rather than upgrading with each new generation.
Battery life and performance may influence users’ choices
AI processing can require additional computing resources. Features involving on-screen awareness, generative text and other advanced functions may therefore increase power consumption during intensive use.
The effect will vary depending on the iPhone model, battery condition and how frequently the features are used. Newer devices, including the iPhone 18 Pro, have hardware designed to handle demanding AI workloads more efficiently.
Owners of older compatible iPhones may nevertheless prefer to disable features they rarely use if maximising battery life and maintaining everyday performance are higher priorities.
Privacy is another consideration. On-screen awareness and personalised assistance require the operating system to process contextual information so that Siri can provide relevant responses.
Users who prefer to minimise the amount of information processed by intelligent features can adjust their settings accordingly.
How to turn off Siri AI in iOS 27
Apple allows users to disable Siri if they do not want to use the assistant.
To switch it off, open Settings, select Siri, scroll to the bottom of the menu and choose Turn Off Siri.
Once Siri is disabled, users will no longer be able to start or continue conversations through the Siri app. Siri-enabled home devices may also stop recognising the user’s voice for personalised content and services.
The change is not permanent. Siri can be enabled again through the iPhone’s settings if the user later decides they want access to the assistant.
Why some users may choose to disable Siri
There are several practical reasons someone might decide not to keep Siri AI active.
Battery-conscious users may want to reduce background or processor-intensive functions, particularly on older devices. Others may simply have little need for an AI assistant and prefer to keep unnecessary features disabled.
Privacy preferences can also differ significantly between users. People who are uncomfortable with contextual or on-screen processing can review Apple’s available privacy controls and decide which functions they are comfortable using.
Find My gains more flexible location-sharing controls
Privacy changes in iOS 27 extend beyond Siri, with Apple also introducing additional controls for the Find My app.
Users can set a specific date and time for location sharing to stop automatically, providing more flexibility than fixed sharing periods.
The system also allows location sharing to be temporarily limited without notifying the recipient. When somebody attempts to view a location while sharing is temporarily restricted, they will see a “location unavailable” message until sharing resumes.
These controls may be useful when people want to share their whereabouts for a particular journey or event without leaving location access enabled indefinitely.
Can Find My be turned off?
Find My is integrated into Apple’s device security and location services, so it cannot be completely removed in the same way as a standard third-party application.
Users can, however, adjust location and tracking settings and remove the app from their Home Screen.
Before disabling Find My features, iPhone owners should consider the security implications. The service can play an important role in locating a lost or stolen device, so switching off tracking may reduce the options available if an iPhone goes missing.
Choosing between AI features, privacy and battery life
iOS 27 gives iPhone owners more intelligent features while continuing to support a broad range of devices. However, the experience will not necessarily be identical across every compatible model.
People using older iPhones may place greater importance on battery endurance and performance, while owners of newer hardware may be more comfortable leaving advanced Apple Intelligence features enabled.
Ultimately, Siri AI and related tools are optional features that users can configure according to their needs. Reviewing privacy, location and Siri settings after installing iOS 27 can help New Zealand iPhone owners find the balance between new AI capabilities, battery life, device performance and personal privacy that works best for them.
Alexander Donovan writes for News Collective, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, reliable reporting and useful information, helping readers stay informed about current events, emerging trends, and stories that matter.