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Not everything in iOS 27.2 is available to try out yet. Developers have found hints of further features in the code of the first two betas – including an expansion of AI Shortcuts, which would also be relevant in this country.
Apple released the second beta of iOS 27.2 today, almost a week after the first. An overview of what's active and available for testing, from the new Health app to the Apple TV app profiles, can be found in the first beta overview.
In addition, the betas contain code for features that are not yet enabled. This was discovered by the developers pdfu and Aaron Perris, who published their findings on X.
Key Facts at a Glance
- The AI function of the Shortcuts app will in future also be able to use actions from third-party apps.
- Apple Music is preparing a live countdown for new album releases.
- CarPlay Ultra features a dedicated driving mode design with coordinated ambient lighting.
- The deletion option, which overwrites the entire memory, is called "Extended Erase" in Beta 2, and there are also hints of a demo mode for the HomePad.
Shortcuts: AI should also integrate third-party apps
With iOS 27, shortcuts can be created using descriptions: You describe in natural language what should happen, and Apple Intelligence assembles the sequence from that. So far, the feature only uses actions that Apple itself provides.
According to pdfu, iOS 27.2 and macOS 27.2 contain a currently disabled setting that allows the device to select actions from third-party apps. Apple's iOS 27.2 release notes, which list a known issue related to this feature, confirm that the function itself is running in the 27.2 series.
For users in Germany and Austria, this is one of the few discoveries with direct practical benefits. The feature belongs to Apple Intelligence and not Siri AI – and Apple's EU restriction explicitly applies only to Siri AI on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. This restriction does not apply in Switzerland anyway. The requirement remains an iPhone with Apple Intelligence.
Apple Music: Countdown to the new album
Also from pdfu comes the information about a live countdown in Apple Music. Announced albums will reportedly count down the remaining time until their release live on the iPhone.
CarPlay Ultra: A design for driving mode
Aaron Perris discovered text in the first beta version for a "Drive Mode Theme" for CarPlay Ultra. The design is intended to combine the display style, color, and background of the instruments and, according to the instructions, can be reset to the default settings. The ambient lighting in the vehicle is supposed to automatically adjust to the selected color.
CarPlay Ultra takes over not only the central display, but also the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. It is currently only offered in Aston Martin vehicles.
Thorough data erasure and a demo mode for the HomePad
The option to overwrite the entire storage with empty data during deletion is called "Extended Erase" in Beta 2, according to Aaron Perris, and is described in more detail. In the first beta, according to the code, it was only intended for devices sold in China, where a new standard for data deletion will come into effect in 2027.
Furthermore, Perris has discovered evidence of a demo mode for the HomePad, Apple's upcoming smart home device. This aligns with earlier indications of Apple Stores being remodeled to accommodate the HomePad.
The keyboard shortcuts are the most important finding
Of the five findings, the opening of AI Shortcuts to other apps is the most significant. It would extend the functionality of Apple's own apps to all the applications that users actually use in everyday life – and unlike Siri AI, which is initially missing in the EU under iOS 27, it would also be usable here.
The other findings have less of an impact in this country: CarPlay Ultra currently only affects one car brand, and the thorough deletion option, based on the first beta, is aimed at China. The countdown in Apple Music is a minor detail, while the demo mode primarily indicates the imminent launch of the HomePad.
What AI shortcuts would you build if the feature could also integrate third-party apps? Share your idea in the comments.
