Set for release this fall, iOS 27 gives users more authority over personalization, device operations, and privacy, along with significant strides in AI and device handling. Here’s what you need to know about the top new features and how to take advantage of them after the update launches.
iOS 27 Brings Expanded Personalization Options
iOS 27 will be available to anyone with an iPhone 11 or newer, including second-generation iPhone SE owners once Apple’s usual September launch window arrives. Those interested in previewing the update early can try the beta version of iOS 27, which made its appearance for public testing over the summer and has gradually revealed its full list of features.
Personalization remains a central theme in this update. Users had mixed feelings about the Liquid Glass visual style in iOS 26, critiquing its translucent, glossy layer. With iOS 27, Apple responds by providing an adjustable slider under Settings > Appearance > Liquid Glass, which lets users control the effect’s strength or essentially turn it off to enhance readability and bring a more tailored look:
- Navigate to Settings > Appearance > Liquid Glass
- Move the slider right to decrease the glass effect
Enhanced Messaging Features and Advanced Privacy
Improvements to Messages focus on usability and customization. The accidental sending of short audio snippets due to the placement of the voice button has been a pain point for users. iOS 27 addresses this by introducing the ability to remove or swap out the audio message button next to your text entry field:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Messages
- Tap Show in Text Field
- Pick Record Audio, Start Dictation, or None (to get rid of the button completely)
If needed, the Audio message feature remains accessible from the (+) options, while dictation stays built into the keyboard for quick access.
Regarding location privacy, iOS 27 refines sharing controls in the Find My app so you can now temporarily stop sharing your physical location with selected contacts for a full day while maintaining GPS function for other apps:
- Open Find My and select the People tab
- Press the three dots next to the contact
- Use Hide Location under My Location to pause sharing for 24 hours
Sound Controls, Timers, and Alarm Management Get Smarter
Audio control has been improved in iOS 27 to allow users to set different volume levels for ringtones, alarms, and alerts, so alarms can be loud without making notification sounds intrusive:
- Head to Settings > Sounds & Haptics
- Turn off Match Ringtone Volume under both “Alarms and Timers” and “Alerts and System Sounds”
- Adjust each available volume slider
Lock screen timer management is also enhanced. With the new update, users have the option to assign a timer control to one of the two customizable lock screen quick-access slots. To set this up:
- Unlock via Face ID while still on the lock screen
- Press and hold, then tap Customize at the screen’s bottom
- Replace an existing control (like flashlight or camera) with Timer
- The Timer will now show as a slider in the Dynamic Island for instant access
Advances in Fitness Tracking, Communication, and AI
iOS 27 enables users to utilize GymKit’s capabilities with just their iPhone—Apple Watch is no longer required. Now, the iPhone connects directly to GymKit-compatible equipment such as ellipticals, treadmills, or bikes, allowing for direct logging of workouts. Simply tap the phone to a supported gym machine and follow the prompts; if you use AirPods Pro 3, their heart rate sensor will send data directly for precise tracking.
A new FaceTime offering, Dual Capture, comes to iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 lineup, letting users broadcast from both the front and rear cameras during a video call—giving call participants a view of both the user and their surroundings. The “Flip” button activates or adjusts this feature as needed.
On iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air models, dictation accuracy is significantly improved with the Siri AI-powered Advanced Dictation Preview. This feature—requiring manual activation—uses AI to produce correct formatting, capitalization, and punctuation much like Google’s predictive text, and is enabled via Settings > General > Keyboard > Advanced Dictation Preview after checking device compatibility.
Updated Troubleshooting Utilities and Home Screen Widgets
If you run into system problems, iOS 27 introduces a discreet, macOS-style recovery mode that operates directly from the iPhone—no computer needed. To activate:
- Quickly press and release Volume Up
- Quickly press and release Volume Down
- Hold down the Side button until you see “Loading recovery options…”
Be mindful, as some recovery operations could erase all personal content from your device.
For greater productivity, extra-large widgets are coming to the home screen. With these, extensive app data—such as complete calendar views—are available at a glance. Start by pressing and holding the home screen, choosing the paintbrush icon, locating your app of choice, and then selecting large widgets like “Up Next” or “List” for apps like Calendar.
Through these substantial enhancements, iOS 27 is set to simplify daily usage and provide deeper customization and control, further strengthening privacy, usability, and efficiency for iPhone owners.