iOS 27 public beta 2 brings Apple TV downloads and Siri voice tweaks

Apple has released iOS 27 public beta 2, a smaller update aimed at polishing the features that arrived in the first public beta, Mashable reports.

The new public build is expected to line up with the fourth iOS 27 developer beta that Apple released earlier this week, according to 9to5Mac. The first beta carried the bigger iOS 27 additions, including the Siri AI beta experience, while this round is more of a tidy-up with a few useful buttons to press.

Anyone planning to try the public beta should back up their device first, Mashable advises. Beta software can bring bugs, and a fresh backup gives users a safer way back if the test build causes trouble.

What is new in iOS 27 public beta 2?

The update adds three consumer-facing changes worth trying now: automatic Apple TV downloads, more Siri voice controls, and a Control Center shortcut for AirPods Pro Adaptive Audio.

In the Apple TV app, users can now turn on automatic downloads for shows in the “Continue Watching” row, Mashable reports. When enabled, the app downloads the next two episodes of a show and removes them after they have been watched.

That could be handy for frequent travelers or anyone stuck without steady internet. The trade-off is storage: those downloaded episodes will take up space on the device until the app clears them.

Siri gets more voice controls

Siri AI remains the marquee iOS 27 feature, and public beta 2 adds more voice-related options to test, according to Mashable.

Two American-accented Siri voices now have Pace and Expressivity sliders. Those controls are meant to show how much voice customization may be available when Siri AI is further along and iOS 27 is fully released.

For other Siri voices, the same sliders are listed as “coming soon,” Mashable reports. The update also adds new voices and English accent options, though those cannot be customized yet.

AirPods Pro controls move closer

Apple also changed Control Center for AirPods Pro users who use Adaptive Audio, Mashable reports. A slider for adjusting how much outside sound the earbuds let in can now be reached from Control Center.

Adaptive Audio is an AirPods feature that blends noise control based on a user’s surroundings. The new shortcut means users do not have to open the AirPods settings menu just to change the amount of outside audio coming through.

How can you try Siri AI in the beta?

The update does not add major new Siri AI features beyond what was already available, according to Mashable. The enhanced Siri beta can be tried on an iPhone 15 Pro or newer after iOS 27 beta is installed.

Users also need Apple Intelligence turned on in Settings. After that, Mashable says the steps are:

• Open Settings.
• Tap Siri.
• Tap “Try the new Siri (beta).”

That places the user on a waitlist for Siri AI. Mashable reports approval may take up to five to 10 days.

This story draws on original reporting from Mashable.