– iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 will introduce a macOS-style recovery mode, eliminating the need for a PC or Mac.
– Devices in recovery mode can connect to a known Wi-Fi network and display battery status.
– Options include installing updates, erasing data, activating PC-supported recovery, and remote diagnostic access for Apple Support.
– A “Recovery Assistant” will automatically detect and attempt to fix known software errors.
– To enter recovery mode, hold the power button until the menu appears, instead of releasing it at the Apple logo.
Revolutionizing iPhone and iPad Repairs
If an iPhone or iPad can no longer be switched on due to a critical software error, it can be restored using the so-called recovery mode. Up until now, the device had to be connected to a PC or Mac in order to be reset either via the Finder in macOS or via the Apple Devices app on Windows computers.
iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 Bring Built-In Recovery
This will change with iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, as the next major operating system versions, which are expected to be released in the fall, will include a macOS-style recovery mode. If a device such as the Apple iPhone 17 is booted in this mode, a menu with a range of options appears. The iPhone automatically connects to a known Wi-Fi network, if available, and displays the remaining battery charge in the status bar. Buttons at the top of the screen allow you to set the language and restart the iPhone.
New Recovery Options and Assistant Features
The recovery options also make it possible to install a software update, delete all data from the iPhone, activate the older, PC-supported recovery mode or start a diagnostic mode via which Apple Support can access the device remotely. The so-called “Recovery Assistant” is designed to automatically detect known software errors and attempt to rectify them. To boot an iPhone in recovery mode, it must be switched on using the power button, whereby the button is held down instead of releasing it as usual as soon as the Apple logo appears.
- Install software updates directly without a computer
- Delete all data and settings from the device
- Activate the traditional PC-based recovery mode
- Run diagnostic mode for remote Apple Support access
How to Activate the New Recovery Mode
When you boot the iPhone in this mode, the device will automaticly connect to a known Wi-Fi network if one is present. The status bar will show the remaining battery charge. There are buttons at the top of the screen that let you change the language and restart the phone. The Recovery Assistant tries to detect any known software issues and fix them autonmatically, which makes the process much simpler for users who dont have a computer handy.


