iOS 27.2: Group FaceTime gains dual cameras and podcasts split feeds

Apple will release iOS 27.2 next week, marking the next major software update for the iPhone. iOS 27.1 is restricted to the iPhone Duo, making this the broader public release. The update introduces three distinct changes to the user experience.

The most visible change expands FaceTime's Dual Capture feature. Introduced in iOS 27, the tool allows users to display the front and rear cameras simultaneously during a call. In the previous version, this capability was limited to one-on-one conversations. iOS 27.2 extends the functionality to Group FaceTime calls, allowing multiple participants to see both camera angles at once.

Apple is also restructuring the Apple Podcasts application. The single Up Next queue at the top of the Home tab will be divided into two separate sections. The first section, named New Episodes, will list the latest releases from shows a user follows. The second section, Continue Playing, will aggregate shows that a listener has started but not finished. This new layout replaces the previous single-list format.

The 9to5Mac writer, who tested the beta, described the change as a major improvement over the previous cluttered interface. The writer noted that the split view helps users track their listening habits more effectively by separating new content from unfinished episodes.

User profiles are arriving in the Apple TV app on iPhone. While profiles have long been available on tvOS devices, this is their first appearance on the iOS platform. Upon opening the app after the update, users will encounter a profile selection screen. This feature can be disabled if the user prefers a single view.

Once enabled, the TV app tailors content recommendations to the selected viewer. If a child's profile is active, the app filters the library to show only age-appropriate series and movies from Apple. This setup prevents adult viewing queues from being cluttered and helps ensure children do not see unsuitable material on a parent's device.

In total, iOS 27.2 adds new features to six iPhone apps, according to 9to5Mac.