iOS 27: New Features Beyond Apple Intelligence Revealed

While the spotlight at WWDC remained firmly on Apple Intelligence, the latest iOS 27 update introduces a suite of practical enhancements across core system apps. From smarter bill splitting in Apple Wallet to expanded location controls in Find My, Apple is refining the everyday digital experience for iPhone users.

Apple Wallet and Pay Upgrades

The most significant overhaul lands in Apple Wallet. Leveraging Apple Intelligence, the app can now scan receipts to automatically calculate individual shares of bills, including taxes and tips, facilitating seamless repayment via Messages or Wallet. Additionally, users can now digitize physical loyalty and membership cards by scanning them with the iPhone camera, with support for pinning these passes to the Apple Watch Smart Stack.

Travelers will also see a revamped hotel key experience, providing access to trip itineraries and service updates directly in the app. For payments, Apple is introducing a redesigned checkout flow, allowing users to view rewards balances and add funds to debit cards, while merchants gain “Tap to Share” to collect loyalty information and contact details.

Enhanced Find My Flexibility

Find My is gaining more granular control over location sharing. Starting this fall, users can set precise time limits for sharing their location—ranging from minutes to specific dates. A new “pause” function also allows for temporary breaks in sharing with specific contacts, useful for situations like planning surprise events.

Maps and Discovery

Apple Maps is receiving a visual refresh for the “Flyover” feature, offering improved detail and smoother navigation. Perhaps more notably, the app is introducing “Local Lists,” a discovery tool that allows users to save and track trending restaurants and attractions. This move signals a broader effort by Apple to compete with social platforms and search engines for local exploration.

Media and Ecosystem Updates

• Apple Music: Now supports more language pairings for lyrics translation and pronunciation, while Hi-Res Lossless Audio arrives on Apple TV 4K.
• Apple Podcasts: Features a new “search within show” capability and brings video podcast support to Mac and Apple TV.
• iCloud Shared Albums: Now allows for full-resolution sharing, emoji reactions, and temporary albums for group projects that don’t consume permanent storage. Non-Apple users can also contribute via the web.
• Fitness+: Debuts a specialized “Strong Through Menopause” program with targeted Yoga and Strength routines.

These features are currently accessible to members of the Apple Developer Program, with a wider public beta rollout scheduled for next month.