44 iOS 27 and macOS 27 Features Apple Didn't Mention at WWDC

Key Takeaways

• Apps will launch up to 30% faster and AirDrop transfers will be up to 80% faster in iOS 27
• You can now set custom EQ for AirPods Max 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4
• macOS 27 Golden Gate brings enhanced Liquid Glass design with a new opacity slider

WWDC 2026 was dominated by Apple Intelligence and the Siri AI overhaul. But while Tim Cook and team spent most of the keynote on generative AI capabilities, Apple quietly announced dozens of smaller improvements that will affect how you use your iPhone, Mac, and iPad every day.

The Verge's Jay Peters compiled a list of 44 features that Apple either breezed past or skipped entirely during the presentation. These updates are now available in developer betas, with public betas coming in July and full releases this fall.

iOS 27: Speed Improvements and New Controls

The headline numbers: apps will launch up to 30% faster, and AirDrop transfers will be up to 80% faster. Apple is also promising smoother handoffs between Wi-Fi and cellular connections on both iPhone and iPad.

Mail is getting a new ranking system that surfaces the most relevant search results at the top, with faster message loading. Messages will now automatically retry sending if a message fails, and iOS 27 will consolidate notifications for multiple tapbacks instead of flooding your lock screen.

• Set alarm volume independently from system volume
• Automatic synced captions for videos you watch
• Save individual video frames as photos
• Extra large widget option
• Faster camera launch in low power mode
• Faster emoji and sticker keyboard loading

Custom AirPods EQ Finally Arrives

One of the more requested features is now official: custom EQ settings for your AirPods. The feature works with AirPods Max 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4. You'll be able to adjust sound profiles to your preference rather than relying on Apple's default tuning.

iPhone 17 Camera and FaceTime Updates

The iPhone 17 line (including the 17, 17 Air, and 17 Pro) will support Dual Capture mode during FaceTime calls. Apple Maps' FlyOver feature is also getting an upgrade with aerial imagery combined with Visual Intelligence models to render objects in greater detail.

HomeKit and Health App Improvements

The Home app will use Apple Intelligence to combine related activity notifications, reducing alert fatigue. Supported HomeKit Secure Video cameras will be able to stream and record in 4K.

Cycle tracking in the Health app will now notify users when cycle patterns are suggestive of perimenopause. This continues Apple's expansion of health monitoring features that provide actionable insights from the data your devices already collect.

macOS 27 Golden Gate: Liquid Glass Gets Refined

Apple's new macOS version is called Golden Gate. The company is promising "more refined design with enhanced Liquid Glass, ensuring exceptional readability and greater consistency across apps." Perhaps most notably, Liquid Glass is getting an opacity slider, giving users control over how transparent the effect appears.

Safari is getting tab groups with the ability to monitor pages and notify you of changes. This could be useful for tracking price drops, content updates, or any webpage that changes regularly.

The AI Hardware Question

While these smaller features will work across a range of devices, the full Apple Intelligence capabilities require more horsepower. The iPhone 17 Pro and M4 iPads need at least 12GB of RAM to run the new on-device AI features. This has sparked discussions about planned obsolescence, with some users questioning why older devices are being left behind.

“Apple's shift to an open-model approach for Siri marks the end of their 'walled garden' dominance in AI, forcing them to compete on integration rather than proprietary isolation.”

— Jane Chen, Senior Analyst at TechInsights

When You Can Try These Features

Developer betas for iOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, and the other updated operating systems are available now. Public betas will begin in July, with the full release expected this fall alongside new iPhone hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will iOS 27 be available to the public?

Developer betas are available now. Public betas begin in July 2026, with the full release expected this fall.

Which AirPods support custom EQ in iOS 27?

Custom EQ is supported on AirPods Max 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4.

What is macOS 27 called?

macOS 27 is named Golden Gate, continuing Apple's California location naming convention.

How much faster is AirDrop in iOS 27?

Apple says AirDrop transfers will be up to 80% faster in iOS 27.

Do I need a new iPhone for these iOS 27 features?

Most features work on current devices, but Dual Capture in FaceTime requires iPhone 17, 17 Air, or 17 Pro. Full Apple Intelligence features require devices with at least 12GB RAM.

Changes to Device Support

The new article mentions that Apple has dropped support for several older Apple Watch and iPad models with the latest OS updates. This is a significant piece of news regarding device compatibility that was not included in the original feature-focused report.

How to Access the iOS 27 Developer Beta and Associated Risks

The new article provides actionable information regarding the availability of the first developer betas for iOS 27, which began rolling out today. It also offers specific warnings and context regarding the risks of installing early developer betas on personal devices, a topic not covered in the original feature-focused piece.

Apple Intelligence Compatibility and Hardware Requirements

The new article provides a specific list of iPhone models compatible with the upcoming Apple Intelligence features, highlighting hardware limitations not discussed in the original piece. It clarifies that while iOS 27 supports older devices back to the iPhone 11, the AI features are restricted to newer hardware.

New Visual Intelligence Features

The new article provides specific details on 'Visual Intelligence,' a feature integrated into the iPhone Camera app and macOS that leverages Siri for real-world object recognition, which was not mentioned in the original summary. It also clarifies hardware requirements, noting that these capabilities are restricted to devices supporting Apple Intelligence.

Availability Restrictions in EU and China

The new article reveals that Apple is indefinitely delaying the launch of Siri AI and Apple Intelligence features in the EU due to regulatory conflicts with the Digital Markets Act. Additionally, it confirms that these AI features will not be available in China due to local regulatory requirements.

iOS 27 Compatibility and Device Support

The new article clarifies that Apple is not dropping support for any iPhone models this year, confirming iOS 27 support for devices as old as the iPhone 11. It also highlights a disparity in support, noting that while iPhones retain compatibility, several Apple Watch models are losing support with watchOS 27.

Device Compatibility and Hardware Requirements for Apple Intelligence

The new article provides specific information on device compatibility for iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, noting which older devices are supported and which iPads are losing support. It also details the specific, restrictive hardware requirements (RAM and chip generation) necessary to run Apple Intelligence and the more advanced local AI models.

Expanded Apple Intelligence Capabilities

The new article provides detailed information on specific Apple Intelligence features for Photos and Safari that were not mentioned in the original summary, which focused on smaller usability updates. Specifically, it details new photo editing tools like Spatial Reframing and the Extend tool, as well as AI-powered Safari enhancements including tab organization, the 'Notify Me' tracker, custom extension generation, and automatic password remediation.

New Parental Control and Child Safety Features

The new article introduces significant parental control features not mentioned in the original report, specifically 'Ask to Browse' web approvals, restricted contact additions, and expanded Community Safety protections against violent content. These represent substantial functional changes to Apple's child safety suite announced at WWDC 2026.