Apple is building a feature called Reference Image that authenticates whether a photo actually came from an iPhone camera by using unique hardware identifiers tied to the device. Users have to shoot in a special "Reference" mode, then can authenticate the photo later through Apple's Private Cloud Compute servers—Apple sees only metadata and sensor data, not the actual image. The system lets people share authenticated photos with others who can verify them locally without Apple knowing which images are being checked.

At WWDC 2026 Apple tweaked its Liquid Glass UI with adjustable refraction, stronger contrast, sharper icons and under-the-hood performance boosts in iOS 27 for faster launches, photo loads and network handoffs. It also expanded its child safety suite—adding dedicated accounts, Ask to Browse, time allowances, schedules and a revamped Screen Time—giving parents tighter controls while underscoring that these tools aren’t a substitute for digital education.

iOS 27 beta overhauls the AirPods settings in the Settings app, grouping options into clearly labeled menus with icons. The redesign shortens the main screen and makes it easier to find controls without needing a separate AirPods app.