Apple pushes iOS 27.2 to all iPhones, adding group video tools and TV profiles

iPhone users will gain access to expanded video calling tools and a reorganized podcast experience when Apple releases iOS 27.2 next week. This update marks the broader rollout of the software, following iOS 27.1, which was restricted to the iPhone Duo model. The new version introduces three primary changes that alter how users interact with FaceTime, Apple Podcasts, and the Apple TV app.

The most notable hardware-linked change involves the Dual Capture feature. Introduced in iOS 27 for one-on-one calls, this tool allows compatible iPhones to display front and rear camera feeds simultaneously. With iOS 27.2, this capability expands to Group FaceTime calls. Participants can tap the Flip button to activate the rear camera while the front camera remains active, providing a wider field of view during multi-person video sessions.

Apple also restructured the home tab of the Apple Podcasts app. The existing Up Next queue has been divided into two distinct sections. The top section, labeled New Episodes, lists the latest releases from shows a user follows. Directly below it is a new section called Continue Playing, which aggregates shows that a listener has started but not yet finished. A writer for 9to5Mac, who previously criticized the old layout as cluttered, stated that the beta version of the new structure helps users keep better track of their listening habits.

For the first time, user profiles are arriving on the Apple TV app for iPhone. While profiles have been available on Apple TV hardware running tvOS, this update brings the functionality to the iOS environment. Upon opening the app after the update, users will encounter a profile selection screen that can be disabled. Once a profile is active, the app adjusts content recommendations to match that specific viewer.

The profiles feature specifically targets household sharing. When a child’s profile is selected, the app filters content to show only age-appropriate series and movies from Apple. This setup ensures that children do not encounter unsuitable material while using a parent’s device. The outlet notes that this separation keeps an adult’s personal viewing queue uncluttered while providing a controlled environment for younger viewers.

Beyond these three features, iOS 27.2 includes new capabilities in six iPhone apps. The update serves as the main software push for the current generation of devices, consolidating recent experimental features into a standard release for the wider user base.