During WWDC 2026, Apple detailed iOS 27 changes like Siri AI with a dedicated Siri app and Apple Intelligence features across multiple apps, but there are dozens of smaller but still important changes that Apple didn't have time to go through.
Apple shared an image summarizing some of the bug fixes and optimizations it made in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, and there are some interesting changes.
Dual Phone Numbers
iPhone Handoff is a paid carrier feature that not all carriers are supporting yet. You can use it on T-Mobile and Deutsche Telekom, with other carriers planning to add support in the future. In the U.S., T-Mobile charges $5 per month for the option.
When you switch between two iPhones with iPhone Handoff, calls, voicemail, messages, and Find My location move to the active iPhone, and you'll see a "Switched to this iPhone" message confirming the transition.
Data synced with iCloud will update across both devices, and third-party apps will work across devices. Some banking apps may only work on the primary iPhone, which is the iPhone you set up first and set as your main iPhone.
iOS 27 or later is required for iPhone Handoff. You'll also need both devices connected to Wi-Fi, both devices on the same Apple Account, and Messages in iCloud needs to be turned on. You're also required to sign into FaceTime and iMessage with the same account. Paired Apple Watches will not switch between iPhones, and features like Call Forwarding and Caller ID are limited to the main iPhone.
iPhone Handoff can be set up in Settings > Cellular > Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
Two FaceTime Cameras
Dual camera in FaceTime lets you use the front and back cameras at the same time while on a FaceTime call.
Faster AirPlay and AirDrop
AirPlaying content to the HomePod and Apple TV is faster than before thanks to multiple system improvements. AirDrop transfers from the iPhone to other devices are also faster, and it's quicker for an iPhone to find nearby AirDrop recipients.
Messages Drawing App
There's a drawing app in Messages where you can handwrite a message or draw a picture. It uses the same drawing tools that are available in the Notes app or when annotating images.
Extra Large Widgets
There's a new extra large widget size you can select on the iPhone's Home Screen. The extra large size takes up an entire app page and displays more information from an app.
Shared Album Expirations
You can now set a shared photo album to expire after a set time, so it doesn't exist indefinitely.
Independent Alarm Volume
Alarm volume can be controlled separately from system volume, as can alerts and system sounds. In Settings > Sounds & Haptics, there are toggles to match Alarms, Timers, Alerts, and System Sounds to Ringtone Volume or to decouple them. Toggling off the match option lets you select a preferred volume level for alarms and system sounds.
Markdown in Notes
You can now copy and paste Markdown in the Notes app.
Save a Video Frame
There's a new option to save a video frame as a photo in the Photos app.
Weather
The Weather app has a "Highlights" view with at-a-glance information, plus it includes updated hourly and 10-day views for precipitation and wind speed.
Other iOS 27 Optimizations and Changes
- Faster message loading in Mail
- Enhanced Safari power efficiency
- Improved battery insights
- Smoother scrolling in App Library
- Smoother unlocking on iPhone
- New AutoMix transitions in Apple Music
- Faster HomeKit accessory pairing
- Faster start page loading in Safari
- More accurate Visited Places in Maps
- Improved Messages syncing across devices
- More power efficient personal hotspot on devices with N1 chip
- Failed messages will automatically try resending
- Improved Bluetooth power management
- Support for time zone changes in Sleep
- Improved unread badge accuracy in Mail
These are just some of the improvements and changes that Apple has introduced in iOS 27, with more information available in our iOS 27 roundup.
