iOS 27 Makes Your Phone Calls Smarter with On-Screen Info

Apple tucked away some incredible hidden features in iOS 27 that will change how you use your iPhone every day. Beyond the big headliners, there are massive quality-of-life improvements waiting to be uncovered. From splitting the bill right in Messages to getting helpful context during phone calls, let's dive into the best new tricks.

Get on-screen context during phone calls

Your iPhone is getting way smarter when you are actually on the phone. If someone calls you and it is their birthday, you will see a birthday message right on the call screen. If it is their actual birthday, you even get fireworks animations.

But it gets even more powerful with businesses. If you call a hotel or airline about a reservation, your iPhone pulls up your reservation details directly on the screen.

Here's how to use it

1. Call an airline or hotel where you have an upcoming reservation.
2. Look at your screen to see your reservation confirmation number right above the call controls.
3. Tap the Message bubble icon next to the number to have Siri read the confirmation aloud to the agent.

Pro tip: This is a lifesaver when you are driving and do not want to look down to read a long alphanumeric code.

Split the bill instantly in Messages

Splitting a restaurant tab used to mean jumping between the camera, a calculator, and a payment app. iOS 27 integrates this directly into Apple Cash via Messages. You can just snap a picture of a receipt, and it calculates exactly who owes what.

How it works

1. Open a chat or group chat in Messages and tap the + icon, then Apple Cash.
2. Tap the new Split Bill icon.
3. Point your camera at the receipt and take a picture.
4. Choose Pay Your Share or request the money from someone else.
5. Select the specific items that belong to you and add a tip.
6. Tap Pay to send the exact amount to the person who covered the bill.

A massive upgrade for Shared Albums

Shared Albums finally get the overhaul they deserve. You can now share full-resolution photos, react to images with any emoji, and even invite non-Apple users via a link.

Give it a spin

1. Open an existing shared album in Photos.
2. Tap the three dots and select Upgrade Shared Album.
3. Once upgraded, tap the three dots again and go to Manage Shared Album.
4. Turn on Anyone with the Link to let Android or Windows users view and download the full-resolution photos without needing an iCloud account.

Pro tip: Older iOS devices will not be able to access the album once it is upgraded. Make sure everyone in the group is updated to the latest software.

Secretly hide your location in Find My

Previously, if you wanted to stop sharing your location with a friend or family member, you had to stop sharing permanently. This sent them a notification. Now, you can temporarily hide your location without alerting anyone.

How it works

1. Open the Find My app and go to the People tab.
2. Tap the three dots next to a person's card.
3. Select Hide Location.

Your location will remain hidden until a set time like 4:00 AM the next day, or until you tap Unhide Location.

Plan future trips in Apple Maps

Apple Maps used to assume you wanted to leave right now from your current location. If you searched for a place across the country, it immediately tried to route you there. Now, there is a dedicated planning mode.

Here's how to try it

1. Search for a distant location in Apple Maps.
2. Instead of a Directions button, tap the new Plan button.
3. Tap Choose an origin.
4. Enter your starting point to see the route and travel time for your upcoming trip.

Stay connected with Connectivity Assist

We have all experienced the frustration of driving away from home and losing a phone call because the device is desperately clinging to a weak Wi-Fi signal. iOS 27 has a new toggle that fixes this instantly.

How it works

1. Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi.
2. Scroll to the bottom and turn on Connectivity Assist.

If your Wi-Fi signal drops, your phone will automatically blend in cellular data. This keeps your FaceTime calls or streaming music running smoothly as you leave the house.

Clear the clutter with better email snoozing

The remind feature in Apple Mail is great, but it used to leave the snoozed email sitting right in your inbox. Now, you can set it to actually remove the message until you need it.

Give it a spin

1. Open Settings, search for Mail, and scroll down to Remind Me Messages.
2. Change the setting from Keep in Inbox to Move to "Remind Me".
3. In the Mail app, swipe on an email and select Remind Me, then pick a time like Remind Me Tonight.

The email will vanish from your inbox and sit in a dedicated folder until the time comes.

Track your subscriptions on a calendar

If you use Apple Card, tracking down subscriptions and recurring charges just got incredibly visual.

How it works

1. Open the Wallet app and tap your Apple Card.
2. Tap the three dots in the top corner and select Recurring.
3. View the full calendar pinpointing exactly which days you get charged for things like streaming services or software.

Let your iPhone fix your weak passwords

The new standalone Passwords app includes a powerful security trick. If you have weak or compromised passwords, Apple Intelligence can now log in and change them for you automatically.

Here's how to use it

1. Open the Passwords app and tap the Security tab.
2. Tap Automatically Fix Passwords and select Get Started.
3. Tap Continue to let your iPhone go through the list, generate strong passwords, and update the accounts on the backend.

Ask Siri to spot fake images

Not sure if that weird product photo online is real? Siri can now analyze images on your screen and tell you if they are AI-generated.

How it works

1. Open a photo or web page with a questionable image.
2. Trigger Siri and ask if the image looks AI generated.
3. Siri will read the screen and point out visual inconsistencies, like blended fingers or nonsensical backgrounds.

Go explore

iOS 27 is packed with these quality-of-life improvements that make the iPhone feel just a little bit more magical. Whether you are scanning a dinner receipt or having Siri read your hotel confirmation on a call, take a few minutes to set these up. You will thank yourself later.