Apple has released iOS 27.2, marking the first significant software update for the current operating system cycle. The update arrives shortly after the minor iOS 27.0.1 patch, which addressed a specific bug causing iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max devices to freeze during Face ID authentication. While the previous version was a quick fix, iOS 27.2 introduces a suite of new features focused on artificial intelligence, video communication, and device-specific enhancements for the new iPhone Duo.
Siri AI Gains Memory and Expanded Access
The most prominent change in this release involves the Siri AI assistant. Apple has enabled a memory feature that allows Siri to recall previous conversations. Users can now ask the assistant about topics discussed in past chats, and it will reference that history to provide more contextual responses in new interactions. This capability aims to make the assistant feel more continuous and less like a series of isolated queries.
Siri can now also pull information from a wider range of sources to answer user requests. These sources include voicemails, the reading list, Safari browsing history, photos sent within text messages, and calendar invitations. Users have granular control over this access and can choose which apps Siri and the iOS Search spotlight feature are allowed to scan. The beta version of these Siri AI features has also been expanded to include French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish.
FaceTime Dual Camera and Multiview Expansion
Video calling on FaceTime receives a significant upgrade with dual camera support. Users can now utilize both the front and rear cameras simultaneously during a single video call. This functionality works on individual and group calls. For instance, a user can stream their own face via the front camera while the rear camera captures the rest of the room, allowing the person on the other end to see everyone present. This feature requires all participants to update their devices to iOS 27.2 or later.
For users who are deaf or hard of hearing, Apple has added the ability to invite a third-party sign language interpreter or a live captioner to a video call. Additionally, a feature called Multiview Expansion, previously available on Apple TV, is now on iPhone. This allows users to watch up to four sporting events at once, including Major League Soccer, Formula 1, and MLB doubleheaders. Formula 1 viewers can select different angles, such as driver-view cameras or course maps, though an Apple TV subscription is required for this service.
iPhone Duo Enhancements and Other Updates
The new iPhone Duo receives specific optimizations in this update. The foldable device now supports the USB-C version of the Apple Pencil, enabling users to draw in Notes, mark up documents in Preview, and use Scribble in any text field. A new feature called Edge Light uses the Duo’s cameras to illuminate the user’s face during video calls in low-light conditions, improving visibility for the person on the other end.
Other changes include smart suggestions in the Messages app to add calendar events or reminders based on conversation context. The Podcasts app now displays two rows in the Up Next section for new and continuing episodes. Shared photo albums allow users to edit captions and comments, avoid duplicates, and receive expiration alerts. The new Health app overhaul remains reserved for a later update, likely iOS 27.3 in December. The iOS 27.2 update is also available for iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, Apple TVs, Vision Pros, and HomePods.
Source: ZDNet
