Apple pushed out the second developer beta of iOS 27 on Monday, and several of the changes directly affect how iPhone users handle everyday tasks, from texting Android contacts to monitoring their spending to keeping their Apple TV updated without touching it.
Texting Android Users Gets Less Frustrating
One of the more practical updates in this build involves RCS messaging. iPhone users can now reply to a specific message in an RCS thread with an Android contact, using the same long-press gesture that works in iMessage.
Previously, that option simply did not exist in cross-platform chats. Apple also fixed how emoji reactions display on images and videos sent over RCS.
In iOS 26, a thumbs-up on a photo showed up as text, something like “[loved an image],” rather than the actual emoji. iOS 27 beta 2 corrects that, so reactions now appear directly on the image, as they do in iMessage.
Siri Voice Customization
Apple’s first iOS 27 beta has added “Coming Soon” tags to the “Pace” and “Expressivity” Siri voice controls on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air.
The change follows the initial beta release, where the two customization options were visible but completely inactive.
Apple TV Can Now Update From Your Phone
Apple added a small but useful change to the Home app. The Apple TV now appears in the Updates section inside Home app settings, and tapping the update button installs the latest software remotely.
Users no longer need to power on the Apple TV or track down a remote to keep it up to date.
For anyone with an Apple TV tucked behind a television or in a room they rarely use, this removes a step that most people probably ignored anyway.
Wallet Gains a Spending Tracker
A new Insights section has appeared in the Wallet app, accessible via the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
The feature is not yet fully active, but Apple’s splash screen describes the ability to connect accounts and view spending patterns, recurring charges, and account balances in one place.
If Apple delivers on what the preview suggests, Wallet would take on functions currently handled by third-party budgeting apps.
iCloud Backup Failures Will Now Notify You
Code discovered in this beta shows that iOS 27 will alert users when an iCloud backup fails.
The notification text reads: “There’s a problem with our server, so you may not be able to back up or restore your device right now. Try again later.”
Currently, failed backups often go unnoticed until someone tries to restore a device and finds the backup is weeks or months old.
Siri Gets a Persistent Writing Button
A “Write with Siri” button now appears above the keyboard in Notes, Mail, Messages, and other apps.
In the first beta, accessing that tool required selecting text first, which made it easy to overlook. The button makes the feature visible to users who might not have known it existed.
HomeKit Camera Alerts Now Do More
Long-pressing a motion alert from a HomeKit Secure Video camera now lets users watch the recorded clip directly from the notification and toggle nearby lights on, without opening the Home app.
Apple also resolved a bug that left Philips Hue lights and other HomeKit accessories unresponsive after the first iOS 27 beta was installed.
Siri App
The Siri app now lets you manage your chat history more easily by deleting multiple threads at once.
To use this feature, simply tap the menu icon inside the app, hit “Select,” and check the conversations you want to remove.
Visual Intelligence
Apple added a “Visual Intelligence” toggle inside the Siri settings menu. It includes a feature called “Highlight to Image Search,” which is turned off by default.
Keep in mind that if you switch it on, Apple notes your images will automatically be sent to third-party services to scan for matching pictures online.
AirPort Utility Is Nearly Gone
Apple confirmed that AirPort Utility will no longer be available for download in iOS 27. Users who already have it installed can re-download it, but Apple says functionality is not guaranteed.
The company discontinued its AirPort router hardware in 2018, and this move signals the app is approaching its end.
Apple is targeting a public beta in July, with the full iOS 27 release scheduled for September alongside new iPhone hardware.
