Apple has released the first beta of iOS 27.2, skipping an expected iOS 27.1 beta in the process. The update introduces the redesigned Health app shown at Apple's September iPhone event, expands Siri AI language support, and adds changes across Apple TV, CarPlay, FaceTime, Music, Podcasts, and other system apps.

Apple is expected to ship the iPhone Duo with iOS 27.1 when that device arrives in October. The decision to move directly to iOS 27.2 may help keep software details related to the upcoming iPhone under wraps, although Apple has not explained the beta numbering change.

Redesigned Health app arrives

The biggest addition in the first beta is Apple's revamped Health app. It is divided into three primary sections: Insights, Longevity, and Browse. Insights surfaces recent and relevant information, including vital signs, sleep score, heart rate, and Activity Rings.

Longevity focuses on health information collected over time and includes a Health Age measurement. Apple calculates that measurement using information such as activity level, VO2 max, and sleep duration. The app can also use the iPhone camera for assessments covering flexibility, strength, balance, and VO2 max.

The redesigned Health app has a new icon and is currently limited to U.S. English. Availability and functionality could change during the beta process.

Siri, CarPlay, and Apple TV changes

Siri AI gains support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish in the iOS 27.2 beta. Apple has also changed the Siri settings label from “App Access” to “Excluded Apps.” Users can now select multiple apps from the Add Apps list instead of excluding them individually. Excluded apps do not appear in Siri, Search, or suggestions.

CarPlay Ultra receives new themes with options for wallpapers, gauge styles, and colors. Code in the beta indicates that supported vehicles may also coordinate their ambient lighting with the selected theme.

Apple TV profiles are now available on iPhone and iPad. Users can create profiles with a name, content rating, and child-account setting, then switch between profiles from the account settings area. Child profiles default to PG content, with additional controls for selecting age-appropriate ratings. The TV app also adds a setting for enabling sign language interpretation when it is available.

Accessibility and smaller app updates

The FaceTime API Apple announced in May for sign language interpretation appears to be active in iOS 27.2. It allows developers of interpretation apps to add a human interpreter to an ongoing FaceTime call.

Other changes are more modest. The Clock app now displays the a.m. and p.m. labels in a smaller size. Apple Music removes some red accents, including the Play and Shuffle buttons in Library and icons beside Library sections. In Podcasts, Up Next is now called New Episodes, while Continue Playing appears below it.

Apple's release notes also describe an App Tracking Transparency change for users in the European Union. An expanded alternative prompt and annual re-prompting are supported, with the alternative prompt required in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Romania.

As an early developer beta, iOS 27.2 may receive additional changes before Apple releases a public version. The first beta is available for testing through Apple's developer beta program.