May 26, 2026, 1:18 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Ahead of the WWDC keynote on June 8, more and more information about iOS 27 is coming to light. The focus of the new version is primarily on optimizing existing software. Apple is responding not only to user feedback but also to regulatory requirements.
Apple Allows AirPlay Alternatives
As Mark Gurman reports in his current “Power On” newsletter for Bloomberg, Apple plans to allow alternative streaming standards in iOS 27. This means users could soon set third-party services like Google Cast as the default, alongside AirPlay. Until now, AirPlay has been the only way to directly stream content like videos, photos, or music from an iPhone to a TV or speaker at the system level.
With this change, the company is responding to stricter EU interoperability requirements as outlined in the Digital Markets Act. In 2025, the European Commission formulated nine specific measures on how Apple must open its systems to third parties. One of these is providing developers access to the “necessary software functions” to offer an alternative to AirPlay. The commission has stipulated that this requirement must be implemented with iOS 27 by the end of 2026.
Read more: Editor on new EU regulations for Apple – “This goes too far!”
Currently, Apple is working on implementing further measures, including message forwarding to devices other than the Apple Watch and Bluetooth pairing by proximity for devices other than AirPods. The deadline for implementation is June 1.
iOS 26.3 Opens AirPods Pairing to Third Parties
Editor on New EU requirements for Apple: “This Goes Too Far!”
Improvements for Genmoji and Image Playground
Gurman had already reported that iOS 27 is set to include an AI-powered wallpaper generator capable of creating realistic images. This technology relies on Apple’s own Image Playground.
Also interesting: These iPhones will no longer receive iOS 27
While users will soon be able to choose which service they want to use for generating images, according to Gurman’s sources, Apple has significantly improved its own AI models for Image Playground and Genmojis to compete with rivals like ChatGPT.
Optimized Settings for AirPods in iOS 27
Apple is also working on a redesign for the AirPods settings. The ever-expanding range of features–such as gesture control via head movement or use as a hearing aid–is making the settings increasingly cluttered.
Some users are therefore hoping for a dedicated AirPods app. According to Gurman, this is unlikely to come anytime soon. However, the menu in the iPhone settings is expected to be more clearly structured and highlight important functions more prominently.