iOS 27.2 Adds Two Major Features: Apple Podcasts Queue Split and Shared Album Editing

iOS 27.2 arrived last week with a variety of new features and changes for iPhone. Here are two new iOS 27.2 features I’ve been loving lately.

#1: Podcasts introduces ‘New Episodes’ and ‘Continue Playing’ sections

I’ve used Apple Podcasts for the last few years after previously sticking with third-party apps. The native Podcasts app won me over with excellent features like transcripts and automatic chapters.

My main hesitation in recommending the Podcasts app, however, has been its confusing Up Next queue. Thankfully, iOS 27.2 delivers a long-awaited fix.

In iOS 27.2, the Home tab in Apple Podcasts splits Up Next into two separate sections: New Episodes and Continue Playing.

These new sections offer, in my view, a much better system than what was there before. I no longer lose track of episodes I’ve previously started, since they’re not getting replaced by new episodes in my queue. Instead, there’s a clear divide between what’s new and what’s in-progress.

#2: Apple Photos makes Shared Albums even better

Shared Albums have long been one of my favorite features in Apple Photos. I don’t post on social media often, but I do love sharing photos and videos with close family and friends via the Photos app.

iOS 27 brought big upgrades to Shared Albums, the first notable changes in years. And to my surprise, Apple has already introduced even more improvements with iOS 27.2. Per Apple:

Shared Albums in Photos adds the ability to edit captions and comments, to avoid adding duplicate photos, and can display a reminder before albums expire so participants can save important photos and videos

Support for editing captions and comments is long overdue, but a welcome addition. I also love the prompt that helps prevent duplicate photos, because I always find myself needing to double-check if I’ve shared certain photos already—now I don’t have to anymore.

iOS 27.2 honorable mentions: iPhone Duo features, Find My, CarPlay, and more

There are a ton of other great additions in iOS 27.2, which you can read about below:

CarPlay: iOS 27.2 has two CarPlay improvements, here’s what’s new

iPhone Duo: iPhone Duo just got two new features in iOS 27.2

Find My: iOS 27.2 adds new Find My feature at just the right time

Siri AI: Siri AI keeps getting better, here’s what’s new in iOS 27.2

Messages: iOS 27.2 adds new Messages feature that’s already a favorite

What are your favorite iOS 27.2 features so far? Let us know in the comments.

Best iPhone accessories

AirPods Pro 3 (now only $199, down from $249)

MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone

10-year AirTag battery case

100W USB-C fast charging power adapter

HomeKit Garage Door Opener