This week, Apple released the first beta versions of the new operating systems announced at WWDC26. The updates bring security, productivity and interface refinements to iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate 27, watchOS 27 and visionOS 27, with an emphasis on stability and performance fixes.
Visual and interface changes in iOS 27
Testers identified the new Macintosh Skeletal font in the iOS 27 beta 1 Setup Assistant. The system removed lighting effects around icons and buttons, as well as eliminating dynamic specular highlights on the Home Screen and Control Center. The Focus button can now be reduced to a simple circle.
These changes contribute to a cleaner, more modern appearance, in line with the ongoing refinement of the previously introduced Liquid Glass design.
Greater privacy control in the Search app
The Find My app allows you to set location sharing for a custom period. An important new feature is the option to hide your location without notifying authorized contacts. This functionality meets demands for more privacy in everyday scenarios.
Enhanced fraud protection
iOS 27 introduces Impersonation Risk Detection. Apps can access Apple signals to identify attempts by scammers posing as known contacts. The tool protects device and account data during scams, responding to the increase in digital fraud reported globally in recent years.
Messages app becomes more practical
In Messages, users control the playback speed of voice notes directly in the conversation, without having to keep their finger pressed. The button in the bottom right corner of the keyboard now offers options: record audio, start dictation, or none. Drafts of unsent messages appear on the main conversation screen, making it easy to return to what was being written.
Productivity and energy improvements
Low Power Mode has been optimized to keep the system responsive. Markdown support has improved in the Notes app, with the possibility of copying text in this format and creating notes via Shortcuts. Genmoji creation received a renewed interface: describe the emoji, refine it with textual changes, adjust colors, objects and styles. The results are more consistent, with faster generation and lower battery consumption. Image Playground now supports photorealistic images.
Apple Music’s AutoMix has improved algorithms for smooth transitions between tracks. A new recovery screen appears when pressing the power button during restart. The Photos app lets you create slideshows with custom duration, transitions, and music, saving as a video.
iPadOS 27 evolves Sidecar
In iPadOS 27, Sidecar lets you tap and interact directly with the macOS interface on your iPad. Previously limited to a mouse or trackpad, direct touch to click links and open apps represents a significant gain for those who use the iPad as a second screen.
macOS Golden Gate 27 focuses on displays and usability
macOS 27 brings native support for ultrawide monitors, including high resolutions like 5K at 120Hz. The layout is memorized and automatically restored upon reconnection, solving a long-standing frustration for professionals with multiple screens. The screenshot tool now includes system audio.
The Calculator gained fluid animations. The Dock and System Settings indicate apps running in the background, with the option to quickly close them. Menus lost icons next to options and the system adopted the pull-to-refresh gesture in apps like Safari.
Changes in watchOS 27 and visionOS 27
In watchOS 27, pressing the Digital Crown only displays recent or most used apps. For the full grid, you need to tap the bottom change icon that divides opinions. visionOS 27 allows you to record the foveated region of the screen in 4K at 30fps for up to three minutes. Improvements in integration with virtual environments include more realistic reflections. New widget connects Vision Pro to Mac remotely, using just keyboard and mouse.
What to expect from the next betas
These first betas prioritize polish and performance, with testers reporting greater fluidity even on older devices. The public version arrives in July, while the final release is scheduled for autumn. The news consolidates Apple’s focus on security, privacy and a consistent experience across devices.
