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Apple today released the second beta of iOS 27.2 to developers. This means testing of the next point update continues, while iOS 27.1 remains without its own test version. The numbering sequence is unusual; the reason lies with the iPhone Duo.
The second test version picks up where the first beta of iOS 27.2 left off, jumping over version 27.1 on September 16 – two days after the launch of iOS 27 with all features and compatible iPhones. At the same time, Apple released the second betas of iPadOS 27.2, macOS 27.2, watchOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, and visionOS 27.2. The new builds are listed in Apple's developer release notes and can be downloaded via the respective device's software update, provided developer betas are enabled.
The 27.2 series already brings several visible changes, from the redesigned Health app to new languages for Siri AI. For German-speaking users, a privacy policy prompt, which becomes mandatory with iOS 27.2, is particularly relevant.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Apple is distributing the second developer beta of iOS 27.2, simultaneously with iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS 27.2.
- There is still no beta version of iOS 27.1. This version will ship with the iPhone Duo, which will be available in stores starting October 23rd.
- The new Health app is currently being tested, but according to Apple it is not part of the final iOS 27.2.
- Apple is testing Siri AI in the 27.2 series in French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish – German is not included.
- With iOS 27.2, a new tracking query will become mandatory in Germany and four other EU countries.
What's included in the 27.2 series under test
The first beta already brought several visible changes. The biggest change concerns the new Health app in testing: According to Apple's developer notes, it is not part of the final iOS 27.2, but will follow later this year, initially in US English.
The Apple TV app on the iPhone will receive profiles, including child profiles, with age ratings based on German ratings. Additionally, five more languages will be added for Siri AI, which previously only ran in US English.
The betas for iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Vision Pro
The version numbers are consistent across all systems: iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS all follow the final version 27 directly with the test series 27.2. With iPadOS 27.2, the profiles of the Apple TV app are also available on the iPad.
The Apple Watch has its own set of rules. A watchOS beta requires a paired iPhone with the corresponding iOS beta, and an installed watchOS beta cannot be downgraded to an older version. The watch therefore remains in the beta branch until the next final version is released.
iOS 27.1 will only be available with the iPhone Duo
According to Apple's announcement regarding the iPhone Duo, the device will ship with iOS 27.1. This version includes adjustments for the two displays: a vertical dock, a vertical Dynamic Island, layouts for two screens, two apps side-by-side, and dedicated camera functions.
A public test of 27.1 would have revealed these changes before the market launch – that's the obvious explanation for skipping the 27.1 test phase. Apple has announced the developer tools for the Duo for the end of September.
German is not supported by Siri AI
For German-speaking users, the Siri extension offers no benefit in this test series because German is not among the five new languages. More significant is the new tracking request, which will be mandatory in five EU countries, including Germany. In Austria, the app provider decides whether to implement it; Switzerland is not included.
The beta is installed via the developer options in Software Update. Like any test version, it should be installed on a secondary device, not on your everyday iPhone.
iOS 27.2: Here's what's next
iOS 27.1 must be released before October 23rd, as that's the launch date of the iPhone Duo; pre-orders begin on October 16th. According to Apple's developer guidelines, the new Health app will remain outside the final iOS 27.2 release and will follow later this year.
