The iOS 27 public beta is now available for all users. While the most talked-about features are the new Siri AI and Apple Intelligence capabilities, the update hides many non-AI improvements aimed at making the user experience smoother, more customizable, and secure. Here are the features that are winning users over.
New interactive widgets for instant control
With iOS 27, Apple introduces widgets that go beyond simple information display. Now you can interact directly with widgets without opening the corresponding app. For example, the Music widget allows you to change playlists with a tap, while the Weather widget shows hourly forecasts and allows location updates. This interactivity makes the Home screen much more productive. Developers can integrate these features into their apps, expanding customization possibilities. Compared to previous versions, responsiveness has improved thanks to a new framework that reduces energy consumption. Notably, other platforms are facing challenges with AI, as shown by the major publishers lawsuit against Google for using copyrighted books to train Gemini. Apple, instead, focuses on solid and immediate functionality.
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Enhanced Focus mode with contextual filters
The Focus mode, introduced years ago, receives a significant update. Now you can create Focus profiles that activate automatically based on context, such as geographic location, time of day, or connection to a specific device. For example, setting a Work Focus will silence personal notifications and show only professional apps. The main novelty is the integration with interactive widgets: the Focus can modify the Home screen to show relevant widgets. Additionally, a new filter for third-party apps allows hiding unnecessary content. This feature is particularly useful for those using the iPhone for both work and leisure.
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Strengthened privacy with expanded tracking report
Apple continues to make privacy a cornerstone. iOS 27 introduces an even more detailed tracking report that lists not only the apps that have requested tracking permissions but also the data collected by each app in real time. The report includes a bar chart showing tracking activity over the past 24 hours, with the ability to immediately revoke permissions. This function is accessible from Settings and provides granular control. In an era where AI collects vast amounts of data, as in the case of OpenAI GPT-5.6 Sol deleting files without permission, Apple stands out for transparency.
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Beyond these, iOS 27 includes minor improvements such as the ability to organize app icons in custom grids, a new charging animation, and an option to limit maximum brightness in night mode. The update is available for iPhone starting from XR. For more on AI features, check Apple's official documentation at Apple's website. Ultimately, iOS 27 proves that innovations do not always have to come from artificial intelligence to improve users' lives.
Source: https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/14/ios-27-my-favorite-new-iphone-features-other-than-ai
