iOS 27.2 Launches Next Week with Profiles for TV, Dual Capture for Groups

Apple will release iOS 27.2 next week, introducing functional updates across six native applications. According to 9to5Mac, the update brings user profiles to the TV app, extends Dual Capture to group calls, and adds new automation settings for smart home locks. These features were previously absent from the public iOS 27 build or limited to specific device capabilities.

The TV app on iPhone and iPad will now support user profiles, allowing multiple account holders to maintain separate viewing histories and recommendations. This aligns the mobile experience with tvOS, which has offered this capability for some time. Users will encounter a profile selection screen upon launching the app, though the interface can be disabled if preferred. This change assists users who share devices with children or other family members.

Video and Messaging Updates

FaceTime receives a significant enhancement with the expansion of Dual Capture to Group Calls. Originally introduced in iOS 27, Dual Capture allows compatible iPhones to stream both front and rear camera feeds simultaneously. iOS 27.2 enables this for group conversations, defaulting to dual-stream mode on iPhone 17 and newer models when the camera flip button is pressed. This removes the previous limitation that restricted the feature to one-on-one calls.

The Messages app reintroduces Suggested Actions, a feature that appeared in the iOS 27 beta but was excluded from the initial public release. These suggestions appear beneath relevant messages, offering quick options to create calendar events, set reminders, or add notes. iOS 27.2 allows users to fine-tune which types of suggestions are displayed, providing greater control over the conversational interface.

Home and Podcasts Changes

The Home app introduces two new automation settings for compatible smart locks. 'Lock After Closing' allows users to set a delay for automatic locking based on when a door is closed, rather than when it was unlocked. 'Door Left Open' enables notifications if a door remains open for a configurable period. These additions provide more granular control over home security routines tied to physical door states.

Apple Podcasts updates its 'Up Next' queue on the Home tab by splitting it into two distinct lists: 'New Episodes' and 'Continue Playing'. This organizational change helps users distinguish between fresh content and episodes they have started but not finished. The update complements existing AI-powered features like automatic chapters and transcripts.

What should you do?

Users planning to install iOS 27.2 should review their smart lock compatibility to enable the new Home app automations. Those sharing devices may wish to enable TV app profiles to separate viewing data. FaceTime users on iPhone 17 or newer can test Dual Capture in group settings immediately after the update.

What to do and how to stay safe: iOS 27.2

• Check if your smart lock is compatible with the new 'Lock After Closing' and 'Door Left Open' Home app automations.
• Enable TV app profiles on shared iPhones or iPads to keep viewing histories separate for different users.
• Test Dual Capture in a Group FaceTime call on iPhone 17 or newer to verify both camera feeds stream correctly.
• Review Suggested Actions settings in Messages to customize which context-based prompts appear in conversations.

Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords

General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

When is iOS 27.2 launching?

iOS 27.2 launches next week, according to 9to5Mac.

Can I use Dual Capture in group FaceTime calls?

Yes, iOS 27.2 enables Dual Capture for Group FaceTime calls on iPhone 17 and newer devices.

Does the TV app now have user profiles on iPhone?

Yes, iOS 27.2 adds profile selection to the TV app on iPhone and iPad, similar to tvOS.