I recently researched and tested over 200 new features in the iOS 27 beta, and in this post, I’ve narrowed that list down to 10 of my favorite new iPhone features. From writing prompts in the Journal app and section links in Notes to much-improved 3D buildings in Apple Maps, iOS 27 is packed with great new enhancements.
Video: 200+ Changes and Features in iOS 27
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diary writing prompts
If you’re stuck for words while writing in your journal, our new writing prompt feature can help. Use text and pictures to generate questions and encourage writing. For example, I showed them a picture of me holding a rubber duck, and writing prompts generated specific questions about ducks that related to the diary entry. If you want to learn more about new features, be sure to check out the complete list of iOS 27 Journal enhancements.
AirPods EQ
I use AirPods Pro more than any other technology I own, and I love that they are consistently updated with new software features every year. With the release of OS 27 Beta, we added a new EQ feature that allows you to adjust the low, mid, and high frequencies of your AirPods in real time. This is basic from an audio customization standpoint, but still a welcome addition. This feature, along with past updates, continues to make AirPods one of the most valuable products Apple makes.
Section links within notes
The iOS 27 beta brings some notable changes to the Notes app, but the most notable change for me is the ability to add links to specific sections of your notes. This feature is especially useful for long notes, allowing you to move through different sections of the note with just a tap.
Automatically resend failed messages
The Messages app in iOS 27 automatically retries failed messages, so you’ll no longer have to look back at a message thread and realize the message you meant to share wasn’t sent.
Map FlyOver improvements
In the latest episode of 9to5Mac overtime On the podcast, I said that some buildings on the viaduct in Apple Maps look like melted butter and lack definition. Apple is working on improving the 3D buildings in maps on elevated roads, and the results are surprising. The detail and resolution of some of the buildings in supported cities like Las Vegas and Austin look absolutely incredible.
Landscape support for Apple Music
iOS 27 adds landscape support to many apps, including Weather, Health, Fitness, Music, and more. Landscape support in the Music app is limited to the playback interface, but it’s great for people who like to dock their phone to their desktop while playing music.
Improved photo cleanup
Previous versions of iOS’ cleanup tools worked well in certain situations, but were hit or miss and generally required ideal photo conditions. Although still not perfect, agent image generation in iOS 27 has been significantly improved with impressive results. In the example below, I was able to remove the mug from the photo and the shelf surface was regenerated in a way that I’m sure wasn’t possible in iOS 26.
Expand the photo
In addition to the cleanup updates, iOS 27 adds two new photo tools: Extend and Reframe. I had mixed results with Reframe, but Extend was very impressive. It can stretch your photo in any direction and intelligently fill in missing details so it looks natural. Compare the before and after photos below. Also extend the curtains that are slightly in the foreground of the frame.
Custom path for wallet
The Wallet app in iOS 27 has some notable improvements, but the biggest new feature is the ability to create a custom pass based on an existing physical or digital pass. By scanning a barcode or QR code from an existing pass and duplicating it into a new digital pass, users can use the Wallet app instead of carrying a physical pass to gyms, stores, restaurants, theme parks, and more.
Safari tab topics
Safari in iOS 27 now intelligently generates tab topics to group related websites and organize your tabs in Tab View. This is similar to tab groups, but it happens automatically so you don’t have to manually organize them.
Needless to say, these are just some of the new changes and enhancements in iOS 27. Are there any features I didn’t cover that you think should be included in this list? Let us know in the comments.
my favorite apple accessory
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