iOS 27.2 adds new features to Messages, Podcasts, Photos, and more—including some easy-to-miss upgrades to FaceTime. Here’s what’s new.
#1: Dual Capture now works on all video calls, even with groups
Dual Capture was added to FaceTime in iOS 27 and quickly became one of my favorite features. Rather than having to choose between showing your face or the rear camera view, Dual Capture lets you show both at once.
iOS 27.2 expands Dual Capture to work on all video calls, even with groups. Previously the feature was limited to one-on-one calls.
If you have an iPhone 17 or newer, all you have to do on a video call is hit the ‘Flip’ button, and by default both the front and back camera will be activated.
It’s a huge upgrade to the FaceTime experience, and especially great if, like in my case, you have young kids running around and want to let grandparents see them and you at the same time.
The only drawback: everyone in the call needs to have iOS 27, iPadOS 27, or macOS 27 installed.
#2: You can add third-party sign language interpreter or live captioner
iOS 27.2 makes FaceTime more accessible by adding support for third-party sign language interpreters and live captioning.
Inside the three-dot icon, you’ll find a ‘Sign Language’ button that lets you pick an installed VRS (Video Relay Service) app for direct access to an interpreter. The app will appear as a participant tile in the call with a “Waiting for Interpreter” status, then your interpreter’s name will display after they join.
For third-party live captioning, Apple has a step-by-step support document here that outlines the process. You can also optionally stick with the existing built-in Live Captions feature to have your iPhone add automatic captions. It’s available from Settings ⇾ Apps ⇾ FaceTime ⇾ Live Captions.
Bonus: Edge Light on iPhone Duo
If you have an iPhone Duo, iOS 27.2 also introduced a new Edge Light feature that works across multiple video calling apps, including FaceTime.
Edge Light works just like on the Mac, adding a ring of light around the iPhone Duo display to better illuminate your face on calls. It’s a built-in alternative to using a physical ring light.
To enable the feature, open Control Center while on a FaceTime call then hit ‘FaceTime Controls’ and tap ‘Edge Light.’ Once enabled, you can adjust settings like the intensity and color temperature.
Have you tried any of iOS 27.2’s new FaceTime features? Let us know in the comments.
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