iOS 27 Beta 2: What's new Apfelpatient

Apple has released the second developer beta of iOS 27 – the first update since its unveiling at WWDC. It doesn't bring any spectacular new features, but does include noticeable refinements to Siri AI, iPhone mirroring, and several other areas.

With iOS 27 Beta 2, Apple delivers the first update since launching the initial developer betas following WWDC. iOS 27 is a major iPhone update focused on Siri AI, Apple Intelligence, refinements to the Liquid Glass design, and a long list of smaller improvements. The second beta is available to registered developers before the public release is expected next month. Once again, the build appears remarkably polished for this early stage – stability is clearly a key feature of iOS 27.

Build number and installation

The second developer beta has build number 24A5370h and is exclusively available to participants in the developer beta program. Installation is done via "Settings > General > Software Update," where the iOS 27 Developer Beta must be selected from the beta updates.

As with any early test version, installation on your primary device is not recommended. Bugs, reduced battery life, and incompatibilities with individual apps are normal at this stage until Apple approaches the final release in the fall.

Siri AI is becoming more visible in everyday life

The most significant changes concern AI-powered voice control. A "Write with Siri" suggestion now appears on the on-screen keyboard of iPhones and iPads, replacing the previous writing tools. This integrates the text assistant directly into the writing flow and makes it no longer accessible only via a separate menu.

Furthermore, Siri AI is noticeably faster for early testers than before. However, in the preview of more expressive Siri voices, the options for pace and expressivity in Beta 2 are marked as "coming soon" - Apple will therefore add these fine-tuning settings in a later version.

iPhone Mirroring and AirPods Max: Bugs from Beta 1 fixed

iPhone mirroring to a Mac now works more reliably between iOS 27 and macOS 27 Golden Gate after the crashes of the first beta. This includes adjusting the window size of mirrored apps and automatically returning to the iPhone view. However, iPhone mirroring remains unavailable for users in the EU – the feature is one of the Apple features not available there.

Also fixed is a known issue from Beta 1: The AirPods Max can now be updated with new firmware again under Beta 2.

Apple Wallet expands its insights

Another new feature concerns Apple Wallet: The Insights function, which provides an overview of your spending, is now available in more regions and for more cards. This means the tool, which aggregates and analyzes transactions, reaches a wider user base than at launch.

Which iPhones support iOS 27

Not every feature of iOS 27 is available on every iPhone. The update runs on iPhone 11 and later, as well as on the second-generation iPhone SE and later; a complete comparison of all systems can be found in the overview of iOS 27-compatible devices. Siri AI and the other Apple intelligence features also require newer hardware.

For the EU, there's an additional restriction: Siri AI won't launch on iPhones and iPads in these countries initially. The reason this block specifically targets these two devices is their classification as key platforms under the Digital Markets Act. Therefore, in the EU, a compatible device alone doesn't guarantee access to the update's AI flagship feature.

iOS 27: Here's what's next

Apple will continue testing iOS 27 throughout the summer. Based on past experience, the developer betas will be followed by a public beta in July, before the final update is released to everyone in September alongside the new iPhone generation. Until then, further betas are likely to focus primarily on refining stability and detailed features – precisely the areas where Beta 2 is already showing improvements. (Image: Apfelpatient)