iOS 27 public beta 2 released with new iCloud features

Apple has released the second public beta of iOS 27, bringing a host of new iCloud features and performance improvements to testers. The update, which follows the first public beta released earlier this month, is available to members of Apple's public beta program and includes enhancements to iCloud+ and iCloud Keychain. Users enrolled in the program can download the beta over the air by going to Settings > General > Software Update after registering their device.

The new iCloud features in iOS 27 focus on expanding the capabilities of iCloud+ subscribers. One notable addition is the ability to share iCloud+ storage plans with up to five family members, a feature that was previously limited to individual accounts. Additionally, iCloud Keychain gains support for one-time verification codes, allowing users to autofill two-factor authentication codes from trusted devices. These changes affect all iCloud+ subscribers, who pay $0.99 per month for 50GB of storage or higher tiers.

These updates matter because they address common user pain points around storage sharing and security. By enabling family sharing of iCloud+ plans, Apple reduces the need for multiple subscriptions within a household. The iCloud Keychain improvement also enhances convenience for users who rely on two-factor authentication, a security measure that is increasingly important as cyber threats grow. According to Apple, these features are part of a broader effort to make iCloud more useful for everyday tasks.

Specific numbers from the source indicate that iOS 27 includes 10 performance improvements that users will actually notice, such as faster app launch times and smoother animations. The public beta 2 was released on July 12, 2023, according to MacRumors, and is available for iPhone models from the iPhone XS onwards. The final version of iOS 27 is expected to launch in September alongside new iPhone models.

Background from earlier reports shows that iOS 27 was first announced at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2023. The initial beta focused on new features like a redesigned lock screen and improved widgets, while subsequent betas have refined these additions and introduced the iCloud enhancements. The public beta program allows Apple to gather feedback from a wider audience before the official release.

Looking ahead, Apple is likely to release additional beta versions over the coming weeks, with a golden master candidate expected in late August. The final release of iOS 27 will be available to all compatible iPhone users as a free update. Users who encounter bugs in the public beta are encouraged to report them through the Feedback Assistant app, which helps Apple address issues before the public launch.