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During the WWDC keynote, Apple briefly displayed a slide with hundreds of new features and improvements – spread across iOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27. The complete, platform-sorted list of over 250 changes is now available, showing just how comprehensive this year's update is.
The focus of WWDC 2026 was on major topics such as the new Siri, the redesigned interface, and service innovations. However, Apple had prepared much more offstage: a long list of smaller features, detailed improvements, and efficiency optimizations across all five operating systems. All updates are currently available as developer betas – the testing phase began this week with the launch of the developer previews for iOS 27, macOS 27, and the other systems. The final versions will be released to all users in September. The following selection summarizes the most significant points from the list of over 250 entries.
iOS 27 and iPadOS 27
A number of practical new features are noticeable on the iPhone. For example, it's now possible to switch between two iPhones with the same phone number, the transition between Wi-Fi and cellular is supposed to be more seamless, and Live Activities now also appear in landscape mode in Dynamic Island. In addition, there are extra-large widgets, smoother unlocking, faster response from voice control, and the familiar dual camera for FaceTime. Apple Wallet also allows users to create their own passes from scanned barcodes or QR codes, and the alarm volume can be set independently of the system volume.
On the iPad, many features are geared towards more productive work: Touch input in Sidecar is enhanced, apps can be resized, an optional, always-visible menu bar is introduced, and switching between windows should be noticeably faster. A quick start option via a recovery contact completes the package.
macOS 27 Golden Gate
The Mac is all about aesthetics and speed. Edge-to-edge sidebars, colored icons in the sidebar, unified toolbars, and consistent corner radii create a fresher look, while HDR support is integrated into the system interface. Practical everyday features include more relevant Spotlight suggestions, the swipe-down gesture (inherited from the iPhone) for refreshing content, and the ability to draw in Notes and Freeform.
In addition, there are more technical improvements such as screen mirroring of the Mac in 5K resolution, additional high-resolution modes with higher refresh rates for external displays, and optimized RDMA over Thunderbolt.
watchOS 27
The Apple Watch benefits primarily from increased efficiency and accuracy: longer battery life, more precise step counting, and more reliable water detection are among the key improvements. Functionally, it gains features such as guest keys in Apple Wallet, a unified Find My app, a dynamic app grid, and new entries in the Smart Stack – including a widget for parked cars, transit cards, and ID badges.
tvOS 27
On Apple TV, the list remains more compact but brings meaningful improvements: faster AirPlay connections, smart downloads, a redesigned Podcasts app, and larger text sizes. Those who want to try out the new features in advance can install the tvOS 27 beta on a compatible Apple TV.
visionOS 27
Apple highlights several new features for Apple Vision Pro, including the use of custom panoramas as environments, new curved windows, an improved Control Center, and multiple tab views in Safari. A widget for the Mac Virtual Display is also included. A separate overview details which of these features are new for Apple Vision Pro.
Home, CarPlay and Photos
Beyond the major systems, there's also progress. In the smart home, Apple is accelerating AirPlay connections to the HomePod, the integration of Thread accessories, and the pairing of HomeKit devices. CarPlay is gaining features including an audio mini-player, audio scrubbing, and more precise navigation.
The list is particularly extensive in the Photos app. Shared albums now support full-resolution photos and videos, can be set to expire, and are now also accessible from Android and Windows. Additional features include keywords for photos, a "Taken by me" collection, the ability to save video frames as photos, and enhanced search options using additional metadata.
Many small steps instead of a grand stage
The sheer number of changes shows what Apple is focusing on this year: not just individual headline-grabbing features, but a broad layer of detailed improvements, increased speed, and greater efficiency. It's precisely these subtle optimizations that often have a greater impact on the everyday user experience than the few major innovations. Which iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other devices will support the new systems is already known – iOS 27 runs on all devices that could already run iOS 26. During the multi-month beta phase, further features are likely to be added that weren't even shown on the original keynote slide. (Image: Apple)
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