Apple is reportedly preparing iOS 27 to be more than just a Siri-focused upgrade. According to a new report from Bloomberg, iOS 27 could introduce a suite of different tweaks and improvements, including a new way for users to cast from Apple devices and experience an improved AirPods setting UI.
Apple Could Open AirPlay in the EU with iOS 27
As per Mark Gurman's latest Power On newsletter via Bloomberg, it seems like Apple is planning to open its AirPlay cast experience for third party cast protocols as well. However, it is expected to be limited to the EU alone.
This is because, in accordance with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) Apple has been mandated to expand its closed ecosystem to allow third-party integrations and a more open nature of acceptance. We recently saw this happening when Apple unlocked Interoperability features in the EU for AirPods and Apple Watch.
Now, with AirPlay also expanding, it will be a boon for Google Cast since it is currently the most widely standardised casting protocol globally. Moreover, on the enterprise level, this could mean third-party smart device makers like TV and speaker manufactures will now be able to simply ship their products with casting protocols like Miracast, DLNA, Matter Casting and more, since the customer will be the end user to have a choice of option.
Moreover, Gurman also reports that the AirPods setting UI is also getting a revamp with iOS 27. However, unlike the EU-specific casting protocol change, the AirPods one are expected to be rolled out globally.
While the exact changes have not been outlined in the report, it does say that the revamped UI will improve the information hierarchy, making it users to access most important features right away and also reduce the cluttered nature of the current AirPods setting UI.
That said, with the WWDC 2026 event scheduled to happen from June 8, 2026, we should know more about these changes shortly. So, stay tuned.
