Apple released iOS 27 Monday, a few days before the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max arrive in stores. The update supports the iPhone 11 family, released in 2019, and newer models. That gives even a seven-year-old phone another round of improvements. Before spending money on a new phone, it is worth seeing what the update does for the phone you own.

Some of the changes address the annoyances that can make you think your phone needs replacing. Apple says iOS 27 improves responsiveness, app launching, photo loading and AirDrop transfers through changes to the way the operating system schedules work for the phone’s processor. The gains may not transform an old phone into a new one, but smoother everyday tasks can make a difference over hundreds of small interactions each day. The update also refines the transition between Wi-Fi and cellular connections.

Apple has also adjusted Liquid Glass, the translucent design introduced last year, to improve contrast and readability. A new slider lets you choose how transparent or tinted it looks. That is a welcome change for people who found the visual effect attractive but sometimes difficult to read.

There are useful additions, too. You can set alarm and timer volume separately from the ringtone, useful if you want a quieter phone during the day but still need to hear an early-morning alarm. Photos lets you save a high-resolution still from a video. You’ll also have the option for an extra-large widget format. The new 4-by-6 size can fill an entire Home Screen page, compared with the previous maximum 4-by-4 grid.

Wallet gets a practical addition, too: Create a Pass. It lets you turn physical loyalty cards, gym memberships and event tickets into digital passes stored on your phone. Instead of carrying another card or searching through email for a barcode, you can keep that information in Wallet with boarding passes, payment cards and other digital tickets.

The more important story is that iOS 27 helps keep a still-capable phone useful and add some welcome upgrades. However, this software update will also not bring Apple Intelligence, Apple’s branded AI system, to every compatible iPhone. Apple Intelligence requires newer hardware: an iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max, or an iPhone 16 model or later.

That does not mean owners of older phones are shut out of AI. Apps including ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini remain available on many older iPhones and do much of their work in the cloud. They can answer questions, help write emails and messages, summarize text, plan trips and assist with brainstorming. In fact, I use several AI apps on my iPhone 17 and do not use Siri for this type of use.

To update, first back up your phone using iCloud. Connect to Wi-Fi, plug into power, then open Settings, General, Software Update and follow the instructions. Make sure you have enough available storage and allow more than a few minutes for the download and installation, especially if your connection is slow.

But what if you are ready for a new iPhone? If you do not want a premium model, you will have to wait until spring. For the first time, Apple has split its annual new-series release into two phases. While the company has not said why, I would bet it is intended to drive sales of the more expensive models through the end of the year. The 18 Pro and Pro Max are priced $100 above their corresponding models from last year, putting starting prices at $1,199 and $1,299, respectively. The foldable Duo, the first real iPhone model breakthrough in years, starts at $1,999. Pricing on the standard 18 and 18 Max has not yet been announced.

Leslie Meredith has been writing about technology for more than a decade. As a mom of four, value, usefulness and online safety take priority. Have a question? Email Leslie at asklesliemeredith@gmail.com.