iOS 27.2: New features, release date, more

Apple has initiated beta testing for iOS 27.2, a forthcoming update that promises several new features and enhancements. This release is anticipated to be rolled out to iPhone users within the upcoming month. Following the launch of iOS 27 on September 14, iOS 27.2 began its beta phase on September 16. Apple had previously announced that iPhone Duo would be bundled with iOS 27.1 upon its release on October 23, implying that iOS 27.1 would be limited to the iPhone Duo models.

Consequent to this, the software paths for iPhone Duo and other iPhone models will eventually merge, either via an iOS 27.2.x update or potentially iOS 27.3. This creates a temporary discrepancy, but it is expected to normalize in due course. Concurrently, Apple unveiled an entirely new version of the Health app during the iPhone 18 Pro event, which is currently in beta testing as part of iOS 27.2.

This revamped Health app is organized into three tabs, namely Insights, Longevity, and Browse. The app boasts a fresh design that dynamically adjusts according to the user's data, incorporating Apple Intelligence. The Longevity tab features a brand-new Health age feature, which utilizes Apple Watch data to illustrate how your metrics compare to your actual age.

It is likely that this revamped Health app will not be rolled out alongside iOS 27.2 next month. Instead, Apple is starting beta testing for the new app, with a broader release planned for later this year. Additionally, the Apple TV app in iOS 27.2 introduces profile support for the first time, a feature previously exclusive to tvOS.

This marks the initial integration of the feature into iPhone. The Apple TV app in iOS 27.2 also expands its support to Group FaceTime calls, courtesy of the Dual Capture feature, which has been available on FaceTime since iOS 27. Dual Capture necessitates an iPhone 17 or later, and all participants in the call must be using iOS 27.

Other potential enhancements hinted at by iOS 27.2 code comprise live countdowns for new album releases in Apple Music, third-party app support for Describe a Shortcut, and new themes for CarPlay Ultra. Although these features are not yet operational in iOS 27.2, their presence in the code suggests they are under active development within Apple.

It is projected that iOS 27.2 will be made available to iPhone users sometime in October, with the promise of adding new languages to Siri AI, a commitment that must be fulfilled before November to meet Apple's timeline.