AirPods and AirPlay are getting big changes when Apple's iOS 27 update arrives later this year

Apple’s next major iPhone software update, iOS 27, is still a few months away, but rumors already look to be revealing some of the biggest changes users can expect.

Among the most interesting accessibility updates are improvements coming to two of Apple’s most popular audio features.

Reports suggest that iOS 27 will make it easier to manage AirPods while also introducing more flexibility for streaming content to TVs and other devices.

The changes could make everyday tasks a lot more convenient for millions of Apple users around the world.

Apple’s AirPods could finally get a much-needed overhaul in iOS 27

According to tech reports and the YouTuber, iDeviceHelp, Apple is planning to redesign the AirPods settings and control panel in iOS 27.

Currently, AirPods settings are hidden away inside the iPhone’s Settings app, where users can adjust noise control modes, customize gestures, and view battery information.

The rumored redesign is expected to make these controls more streamlined and better organized.

While details remain scarce, the goal appears to be giving users faster access to the features they use most often.

The update is also expected to improve the overall experience of managing AirPods, something many users have wanted for years.

One feature that has not been rumored but is frequently requested is the ability to manually check for and install AirPods firmware updates.

At the moment, AirPods update automatically in the background, leaving users with very little control over the process.

AirPlay may become more flexible thanks to new EU rules

Another major change reportedly coming with iOS 27 involves AirPlay.

Apple currently relies on its own AirPlay protocol for wirelessly sending audio and video content from an iPhone to compatible TVs, speakers, and streaming devices.

However, new regulations introduced through the European Union’s Digital Markets Act could require Apple to give users more choice.

As a result, iOS 27 is rumored to include support for alternative media streaming protocols alongside AirPlay.

That could potentially allow users in the EU to cast content using standards similar to Google Cast instead of being limited to Apple’s own technology.

The change is believed to be aimed specifically at complying with European regulations, so it may not be available in all regions.

Alongside these updates, iOS 27 is also expected to bring improvements to Apple’s AI-powered Image Playground and Genmoji features, with better image quality and more refined generated results.

Apple is expected to release iOS 27 during its Worldwide Developers Conference before releasing the software to the public later this year.