UMVA has learned that Apple's latest software development cycle has been dedicated to making its devices smarter and more efficient, with a focus on Siri AI and performance gains in OS 27.
The update introduces numerous smaller features that didn't get much attention at the Apple event, making it a worthwhile update for anyone, even if you're skipping Siri AI. One of the new additions is the ability to create custom Wallet passes, allowing users to securely store relevant QR codes and sync them to watchOS 27.
iOS 27 also brings a sharper keyboard, with a paste shortcut in the predictive text bar, making it easier to insert copied text or photos. Additionally, Apple is forcing the use of the Liquid Glass UI, bringing consistency to all iPhone apps and making them look more modern.
Apple is making voice messaging clearer in iOS 27, bringing playback speed controls to the surface, and allowing users to pick whether the audio button in the iMessage text field functions as Dictation or a voice message recorder. The update also introduces a new Drawing app, mimicking the sketching functionality found in Apple Notes.
Dual Capture, a feature introduced with the iPhone 17, is being ported to FaceTime, allowing users to record videos using the front and rear cameras simultaneously. iOS 27 also introduces birthday reminders in calls, displaying a festive banner on the call screen to remind you about the contact's birthday.
iOS 27 addresses the issue of silently pausing location sharing, allowing users to go incognito for one day at a time without notifying the other person. The update also introduces new Clean Up modes in Photos, allowing users to pick between quick edits and high-quality ones.
The Photos app on iOS 27 also adds two handy automatic categories: "Captured by Me" and "Identity Documents." Additionally, users can now save a video frame as a high-resolution image, maintaining the image's resolution and geotag.
iOS 27 refreshes workout summaries in the native Fitness app, placing the personal map front and center, followed by neatly stacked metrics. The update also allows users to hide completed Fitness+ workouts when viewing the vast catalog.
iOS 27 prepares for the iPhone Ultra's foldable form factor, supporting landscape orientation in several first-party apps, including Music, Fitness, Health, and Weather. The update also supports extra-large widgets, allowing users to place gigantic data snippets that occupy full Home Screen pages.
The update introduces individual volume sliders for ringtones, alarms, and alerts, and a draggable knob in Apple Music and other audio apps for easier navigation. Finally, iOS 27 introduces a bona fide recovery mode for iPhones, similar to that of macOS, allowing users to boot into a recovery menu to troubleshoot software issues.
iOS 27 is now available as a developer beta, with a public beta coming in July and a general release to follow in September.
