iOS 27.2 Is Coming Soon: 6 iPhone Apps Getting New Features

Apple is preparing iOS 27.2, an update that brings new features to six built-in iPhone apps. Rather than focusing only on bug fixes, this release introduces practical changes to everyday tasks, from managing messages and watching shows to making video calls and controlling smart home devices.

Some additions are particularly useful. Messages can suggest actions based on a conversation, Apple Podcasts separates new episodes from unfinished ones, and FaceTime expands its dual-camera experience to group calls.

So, what is changing in iOS 27.2, and will every iPhone user get access to these features?

iOS 27.2 Is Approaching With Six App Updates

iOS 27.2 is expected to arrive before the end of October 2026. Apple has released a Release Candidate, a near-final build used during the final testing stage before a public rollout. However, Apple has not officially confirmed the exact public release date.

The update focuses on six apps: Messages, Apple TV, FaceTime, Home, Apple Podcasts, and Games. Some improvements are available through software alone, while others depend on compatible iPhones or accessories.

1. Messages Can Suggest Actions From Conversations

One of the most interesting additions is Suggested Actions. When a conversation contains relevant information or a request, Messages can display a suggested action underneath the message.

For example, if someone asks you to remember a meeting, your iPhone may suggest creating a reminder or adding an event to Calendar. Instead of switching apps and manually entering the details, you can use the suggested shortcut.

The feature can also suggest other actions, such as adding information to Notes. Users can customize which types of suggestions appear.

There is an important limitation: Suggested Actions relies on Apple Intelligence, so it is not available on every iPhone. Language support also matters, and users should not assume that every capability will work in every language.

2. Apple TV Adds User Profiles on iPhone

The Apple TV app is getting profile selection on iPhone and iPad. This is especially useful for families or people who share a device or account.

Separate profiles help keep viewing histories and recommendations more relevant to each viewer. A child watching cartoons, for instance, does not have to mix those viewing habits with a parent's movie recommendations.

A profile selection screen appears when the app opens, with an option to disable it if you would rather not see it every time.

This is not a major change to the viewing experience itself, but it can make the app feel more personal and organized for households that share devices.

3. FaceTime Expands Dual Capture to Group Calls

FaceTime's Dual Capture feature allows the front and rear cameras to operate simultaneously during a call. The front camera can show your face while the rear camera captures the scene or object in front of you.

With iOS 27.2, Apple is extending this capability to Group FaceTime calls. It can be useful when you want to remain visible while showing a product, document, location, or activity to other participants.

However, this feature does not work on every iPhone. Dual Capture has hardware requirements, with support identified for iPhone 17 and newer models. The software versions used by other participants may also affect the experience.

4. Home Adds New Smart Lock Automations

For smart home users, the Home app may deliver one of the most practical changes in this update. iOS 27.2 introduces two new settings for compatible smart locks.

Lock After Closing

This setting allows a compatible lock to automatically lock the door after it has been closed for a selected amount of time. It differs from an automation that simply counts the time elapsed since the door was unlocked.

Door Left Open

This feature can notify you when a door remains open for too long. It helps you check the status of your home without repeatedly opening the Home app to inspect the door manually.

Keep in mind that installing iOS 27.2 does not automatically make every smart lock compatible. The lock must support the required features and provide the relevant door-status information.

5. Apple Podcasts Separates New Episodes From Unfinished Ones

Do you often discover a new podcast but forget to finish an episode you started earlier? Apple is addressing that problem with a redesigned section on the Home tab.

The Up Next area is being split into two categories: New Episodes and Continue Playing.

• New Episodes: helps you discover recent episodes from shows you follow and other relevant new content.
• Continue Playing: brings back episodes you started but have not finished listening to.

This separation makes each list easier to understand. You can look for something new without losing track of an interview or episode you want to resume later.

For people who switch between news, long interviews, and entertainment podcasts, this simple navigation improvement could be more useful than a flashy feature they rarely use.

6. The Games App Makes Progress Easier to Follow

The Games app is also receiving improvements to its Home tab. Recently downloaded games can appear even before you have played them, making new titles easier to find.

Apple is also updating how achievement progress and leaderboard scores are presented, with the goal of making them easier to follow.

These are relatively small changes, but they can help people who install many games discover new titles and check their progress more quickly.

iOS 27.2 Features at a Glance

App	What's New	Important Note
Messages	Suggested actions based on messages	Requires Apple Intelligence
Apple TV	Profiles on iPhone and iPad	Separates viewing recommendations
FaceTime	Dual Capture for group calls	Compatible hardware required
Home	Smart lock automations and alerts	Requires compatible accessories
Apple Podcasts	Separate new and unfinished episodes	Clearer playback navigation
Games	New games, achievements, and leaderboards	Home tab improvements

When Will iOS 27.2 Be Released?

Apple has reached the Release Candidate stage for iOS 27.2, placing the update near the end of its testing cycle. A public release is expected before October ends, although the exact date still awaits official confirmation.

If you want to understand the broader changes introduced in the current generation of Apple's software, read our guide to the new features in iOS 27.

Once the final update becomes available, go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for it. Back up your data first, connect to a stable Wi-Fi network, and make sure your battery has enough charge.

Will Every iPhone Get the Same Features?

Not necessarily. An operating system update does not guarantee that every feature will work on every supported model. Suggested Actions depends on Apple Intelligence, Dual Capture has hardware requirements, and the new Home features require compatible smart locks.

Before expecting every feature to appear after installation, check your iPhone model, supported languages, and connected accessories. You can also read our guide to Siri AI availability and iPhone language settings.

Final Thoughts

iOS 27.2 looks like an update designed to make everyday tasks more convenient. Messages can turn conversations into suggested actions, Apple TV adds user profiles, FaceTime expands Dual Capture, and Home introduces extra controls for compatible smart locks.

Meanwhile, Apple Podcasts makes unfinished episodes easier to find, while Games improves the way recently downloaded titles and gaming progress appear.

Not every change will matter to every user. But if you regularly use Apple's built-in apps, this update is worth watching. Wait for the public release and check device compatibility before expecting every feature to work on your iPhone.