Apple highlighted Siri AI and Apple Intelligence at this month's WWDC, but the iOS 27 update isn't just focused on generative AI. The new system also covers commonly used apps like Maps, Find, Wallet, Payments, Music, and Podcasts, emphasizing everyday user experience and cross-device connectivity.
Apple Wallet adds smart billing.
In this update, Apple Wallet is one of the apps that has undergone the most changes. Apple has added receipt scanning and bill splitting features, allowing users to scan receipts directly with their iPhone camera and then split the cost with friends via Apple Cash.
Powered by Apple Intelligence, this feature identifies individual items on receipts and calculates the amount each person is liable for, while also factoring in taxes and tips. Once the calculation is complete, users can initiate a payment via the Messages app or Wallet.
Wallet also adds the ability to digitize physical membership cards and loyalty cards. Users can scan barcodes or digital cards and save them directly to Wallet. Related passes will also support Apple Watch and can be pinned to the Smart Stack for quick and easy access.
Hotel key and payment processes adjusted accordingly.
Apple has also improved the hotel key experience in Wallet. Users staying at partner hotels and resorts can now not only unlock doors with their iPhone or Apple Watch, but also view trip information, event schedules, services, and real-time updates within Wallet.
For Apple Pay, Apple has redesigned the checkout interface for both online and in-app purchases. Switching between payment cards will be easier, and users can now view their rewards balance, debit card account balance, and available installment payment options.
Apple says that later this year, eligible users will also be able to top up their debit cards directly within Wallet or at Apple Pay checkout.
Maps, search, and content applications continue to expand.
Apple Maps' "Flyover" feature has also been updated. Apple says the new version will offer more detailed 3D views of cities and landmarks and improve browsing smoothness.
In Find My, users will be able to temporarily pause location sharing for individual contacts, with the pause lasting up to the end of the day. This design is primarily for temporary scenarios, such as avoiding premature disclosure of party schedules.
Apple Music continues to expand its lyrics functionality. Apple adds translation support for seven new languages and adds lyrics pronunciation display for five more, helping users sing along to songs in their non-native languages. AutoMix will also bring smoother song transitions and expand from iPhone to Apple TV and HomePod.
In addition, Apple Podcasts has added in-show search functionality, allowing users to directly search for content within a single podcast, available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro, and the web. Apple has also brought video podcasts to Mac and Apple TV.
Apple says these features are currently open for testing by developers, with a public beta version to be released next month.
