iOS 27 Public Beta: How to Join the Siri AI Waitlist and What You Need to Know

With the iOS 27 public beta now available, many users are eager to try Apple’s completely redesigned Siri AI. However, simply installing the beta doesn’t grant immediate access to the new assistant. Instead of the familiar glowing border interface, you might still see the “old” Apple Intelligence design when pressing the Side Button. To unlock the new Siri—complete with its Dynamic Island interface and standalone Siri app—you must join a waitlist, a process reminiscent of the initial Apple Intelligence rollout in iOS 18.

Here’s everything you need to know about getting access to the new Siri AI, from joining the waitlist to device compatibility and regional availability.

How to Join the Siri AI Waitlist

Unlike many features that are available immediately after a software update, Apple is rolling out the new Siri AI in phases. Here’s the quick process to get in line:

1. Update to iOS 27: Ensure you have installed the iOS 27 public beta or developer beta on your compatible iPhone.

2. Open Settings: Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.

3. Navigate to Siri: Scroll down and tap on the new Siri menu.

4. Join the Waitlist: Look for the “Join Waitlist” button and tap it. Follow any additional on-screen instructions to complete the registration.

5. Wait for Approval: After joining, you will need to wait for Apple to grant you access. During the developer beta, some users received access within 30 minutes, while others waited up to 72 hours. With the public beta now open to a wider audience, it may take longer—potentially a few weeks—to receive access. There is no way to skip the line, so the sooner you join, the sooner you’ll get the new experience.

Device and Regional Requirements

Before you join the waitlist, it’s crucial to ensure your device and location are eligible.

Compatible Devices
Apple has tiered its AI features, and the new Siri AI requires specific hardware.

• Base Requirement: To run Apple Intelligence and the standard Siri AI features, you need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 or later model.

• Advanced Voice Features: To take advantage of all the new features, including the expressive voice previews announced at WWDC 2026, you need a device with more than 12GB of RAM. This currently includes the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air.

Regional Restriction: Not Available in the EU
There is one significant limitation: the new Siri AI will not be available on iPhones or iPads in the European Union. Apple has stated it is unable to launch Siri AI in the EU due to regulatory uncertainty surrounding the Digital Markets Act (DMA). If your Apple Account is based in an EU country, you will not be able to access the new Siri AI experience on iOS 27 or iPadOS 27.

What to Expect When You Get Access

Once you are approved from the waitlist, you’ll experience a significant upgrade:

• New Visual Interface: Siri’s responses will emerge from the Dynamic Island, creating a more integrated and modern visual experience.

• Standalone Siri App: A dedicated Siri app will appear on your iPhone, keeping your conversation history in one place and syncing it privately across your devices via iCloud.

• Enhanced Capabilities: The new Siri can hold ongoing conversations and search your personal information for more contextually aware responses.

Conclusion

Getting the new Siri AI in the iOS 27 public beta requires a few extra steps. After ensuring you have a compatible iPhone (iPhone 15 Pro or newer) and that you are not in the EU, you must join the waitlist through the Settings app. While you may have to wait anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks for access, the upgrade to a more conversational, visually integrated assistant with a dedicated app is well worth the patience.