A beta build of iOS 27 reveals a feature called iPhone Handoff, spotted by a MacRumors forum member, that lets a primary iPhone and a secondary companion iPhone share a single cellular plan and phone number using dual eSIMs. Unlike existing Continuity tools that rely on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, this setup appears to work at the network level, so the companion device stays connected even if the main iPhone is off. The option is expected to appear under Settings > Cellular once it launches.
Apple's iOS 27 update includes three specific fixes for the Mail app: more accurate unread message badges, faster loading of messages, and improved search indexing reliability. These changes were included alongside a long list of quality-of-life improvements Apple presented during the iOS 27 announcement.
iOS 27 introduces a revamped Apple Pay checkout interface for apps and web payments, replacing the previous layout used across millions of transactions. The update adds swipeable card switching alongside the default card and uses color-coded icons to display shipping, billing and address details more clearly at a glance.
Apple unveiled iOS 27 at WWDC in June and has since pushed several beta versions containing Siri AI upgrades and other features to developers. The company has only confirmed a general fall release, but based on its consistent pattern of shipping new iOS versions within about a week of its September hardware event—set for Sept. 9 this year—analysts predict a public rollout on Monday, Sept. 14.
Apple has released the eighth developer beta of iOS 27, its most AI-centric iPhone update yet, available now to Program members via Settings. The update centers on Siri AI, a rebuilt assistant using new Apple Foundation Models that adds richer conversation, on-screen awareness, and deeper app actions, alongside a refreshed Dynamic Island interface and a standalone Siri app. Apple Intelligence features are also expanding into Photos, Safari, Mail, Messages, and other apps as the company nears a public rollout in the coming weeks.
CarPlay received three notable app upgrades in August: MLB's app now lets users browse games and hear live radio feeds with in-car score displays, Meta AI joined ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Grok as a chatbot option (though still in limited testing), and The Weather Channel's Storm Radar app added live weather maps, radar layers, and route-based alerts. These updates arrive ahead of Apple's broader CarPlay overhaul expected with iOS 27 in September, which will add a dedicated Siri app and AI features.
Apple has rolled out several updates to Apple Card ahead of its seventh anniversary, including a new 'Recurring' transactions view coming with iOS 27's Wallet app. The company also partnered with Booking.com to grant Apple Card holders automatic Genius Level 2 status plus 3% Daily Cash, building on an earlier Hertz partnership offering discounts, free roadside assistance and extra drivers for car rentals.
Apple's iOS 27 update introduces a new AI-powered Siri, but it only runs on iPhone 15 Pro models and later, leaving older devices with the standard assistant. The feature currently supports English only and is unavailable in the EU and China due to regulatory restrictions. Users can enable it manually through Settings, though some may be placed on a waitlist lasting from minutes to days before gaining access.
Apple's iOS 27 update brings major improvements to iCloud Shared Albums, including support for full-resolution photos and videos, custom emoji reactions instead of just likes, and easier one-tap saving. Android and Windows users can now contribute content via the web rather than only viewing shared photos, and users gain new participant permission controls plus the option to set album expiration dates.
Apple has unveiled several Apple Pay upgrades tied to iOS 27, including a redesigned checkout screen that lets users swipe between cards and view balances and rewards at a glance. The company also partnered with American Express to let customers redeem Membership Rewards points directly during checkout, valued at 0.7 cents per point. Additionally, a new 'Tap to Share' feature extends Tap to Pay on iPhone, letting shoppers share contact and loyalty info with merchants in-store.
Apple is adding an agentic AI feature to its Passwords app in iOS 27 that can automatically update weak or compromised passwords instead of requiring users to change them manually. The feature is part of a broader Apple Intelligence push and is currently in beta, with rollout timing uncertain between iOS 27.0 and a later 27.1 update.
Apple's iOS 27 beta introduces a custom equalizer feature that lets users adjust individual sound frequencies on compatible AirPods, such as boosting bass or emphasizing vocals. The feature currently works with H2 chip-equipped models, including AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max 2, and requires both the device and earbuds to run the latest beta software and firmware.
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