Apple is preparing a significant redesign of the iPhone camera experience in iOS 27, with flexibility becoming the main theme. Instead of forcing users into a fixed layout, the Camera app is expected to let them arrange controls in a way that better fits how they shoot.
Bloomberg reports that the update is not limited to a visual refresh. Apple is also planning a broader widget-based approach that keeps the camera familiar while making it far more personal in day-to-day use.
More control over the Camera app
The core structure of the Camera app will remain in place, but the controls are set to become much more adaptable. Users will reportedly be able to move widgets around and tailor the placement of key functions to suit different shooting situations.
Among the controls said to be customizable are flash, exposure, timer, resolution, and depth of field. These widgets are expected to be organized into basic, manual, and advanced groups, making them easier to reach depending on how much control a user wants.
Apple is also said to place the widgets at the top of the camera interface. That positioning would allow faster access to certain settings while shooting, without forcing users too far away from the main capture area.
Mark Gurman has said the update is not only meant to simplify the interface. He believes the changes could also appeal to more professional users by giving them more room to adjust the camera experience.
Separate tools for different shooting modes
Apple is also preparing separate widgets for each shooting mode, which suggests a more mode-specific approach to camera control. In addition, the app will include grid and alignment options to help with composition.
One notable change involves the button used to open the controls menu. Apple is moving it from the top-right corner of the screen to the right side of the shutter button, making it feel closer to the center of the shooting workflow.
That shift fits the larger direction of the update, which appears designed to make camera settings easier to reach without making the app feel cluttered. The result would be a camera that still feels recognizable, but gives users more room to shape it around their habits.
Siri and Visual Intelligence are also coming into the camera
The iPhone camera in iOS 27 will not stand alone. It is also expected to connect with Siri mode, bringing object recognition and text translation through Visual Intelligence.
Siri itself is also reportedly due for a major redesign. Apple is said to be turning it into an always-on agent that can extract data and interact with apps in more capable ways.
The assistant is also expected to get a new look that is closer to chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini. Its interface would be integrated into Dynamic Island, with an assistant effect appearing at the top of the screen when activated.
Users will reportedly be able to open a new search bar by swiping down from the center top of the display. Siri results would appear as cards first, and then move into chatbot mode.
Bloomberg also says Siri’s web search abilities are set to improve sharply. A Bloomberg writer noted that Siri can now provide more detailed answers to general knowledge questions.
Apple is also planning a dedicated Siri app. Inside it, users would be able to review conversation history and find a plus button for uploading photos and documents.
Other iOS 27 changes are in development
The camera changes are only part of a wider set of adjustments coming to iOS 27. Safari is set to receive a new Home page with four tabs at the top for switching between favorites, bookmarks, saved websites, and browsing history.
Weather will also get a smaller refinement through a Conditions section. That area provides quick access to data such as rainfall and wind.
Apple’s Image Playground app is reportedly getting a simpler and easier-to-use interface as well. At the system level, the search button at the bottom of the screen will now be integrated with other tabs instead of appearing separately as a circular button.
The system will also add a cancel button when users rearrange widgets and icons on the Home Screen. Apple is expected to prepare iOS 27 for launch in early June, so these changes are likely to draw more attention soon.
