September 17, 2026, 4:38 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Shortly after the launch of iOS 27, Apple is already testing the next iPhone update. The company is skipping a version number, going directly to iOS 27.2. This update includes the new Health app, introduced at the iPhone keynote, with a focus on longevity. Users in Germany should also expect regular app queries for advertising purposes.
Why Is Apple Skipping iOS 27.1?
Normally, iOS 27 would be followed directly by iOS 27.1. However, Apple is not skipping the follow-up update, just the beta. As we already know, iOS 27.1 will be released directly alongside the iPhone Duo in October.
Since Apple likely doesn’t want to reveal further software details about the new foldable iPhone before its launch, there will be no separate beta version of iOS 27.1 for registered testers. To avoid delaying development, the company is releasing iOS 27.2 Beta 1 directly.
Completely Redesigned Health App
During the presentation of the new Watch models Series 12 and Ultra 4 last week, the focus was again on health tracking. According to Apple, the devices feature the most accurate heart rate detection in a wearable.
The Health app, as the control center, receives a major update with iOS 27.2, focusing on longevity (German: “Langlebigkeit”). The new tabs “Insights” and “Longevity” replace the previous tabs “Summary” and “Sharing.”
Under “Insights,” metrics such as vital signs, sleep data, heart rate, and activity rings are more quickly accessible and clearly broken down. Users no longer need to scroll through the entire page to learn more about sleep, fitness, heart, and vital signs. Instead, small widgets are available that already show basic information and provide a complete overview when clicked.
The Longevity analysis consists of seven different metrics: sleep, metabolic health, heart, movement, hearing, nutrition, and mental health. A combined pie chart quickly shows which values are good and where improvement is needed. Under Longevity, Apple’s new calculation of health age compared to actual age can also be found.
Users can conduct small tests for mobility, strength, and balance using the iPhone camera for a more precise assessment of their health. The new Health app is available in iOS 27.2 Beta 1 exclusively in U.S. English.
Siri AI Understands More Languages
As announced at the iPhone keynote, Apple is expanding Siri AI’s language support. With iOS 27.2 Beta, French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish are now available alongside English.
The management of excluded apps in Siri settings has also been revised. Multiple applications can now be simultaneously excluded from Siri, search, and suggestions.
What’s New with Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4
New Siri Expected to Launch in 2026 with iOS 26.4
Apple Weakens App Tracking Transparency
In 2021, Apple introduced App Tracking Transparency (ATT) with iOS 14, allowing users to prevent apps from tracking activities across apps and websites using the advertising identifier (IDFA).
In certain EU countries, Apple is now weakening ATT. The company writes on its developer page:
“As part of agreements with selected European competition authorities, Apple is introducing changes to its App Tracking Transparency framework in the European Union. Starting with iOS 27.2 and iPadOS 27.2, developers in the EU can use an alternative version of the system prompt for App Tracking Transparency.”
This agreement was spearheaded by the German Federal Cartel Office, which considers the previous wording in the ATT pop-up too negative toward app developers. Apple is therefore replacing “Track” with “Link” and giving developers space to explain their intentions, as well as a link area for further options. Additionally, developers can now request permission to track the advertising identifier again after one year.
Particularly noteworthy: The new response options “Accept” and “Decline” are reversed compared to old pop-ups. Those who were used to rejecting tracking by clicking the top button must now pay closer attention.
Also interesting: These two features of iOS 27 are not ready at launch
Further Innovations in iOS 27.2
- In the Phone app, notifications appear when calling contacts, such as birthdays—if they have been entered.
- The Apple TV app supports separate profiles on iPhone and iPad for the first time.
- For CarPlay Ultra, Apple introduces new themes with customizable wallpapers, colors, and instrument displays.
- In Apple Music, various red accents have been removed and replaced with black.
- The announced FaceTime interface for apps with human interpreters is active in iOS 27.2.