Apple has released the first iOS 27.3 developer beta for iPhone, starting a new round of testing as the company prepares more features for release later this year.
One change being watched for is the possible return of the redesigned Health app. Apple introduced the new version during the iOS 27.2 beta cycle, then restored the previous Health app in the fourth beta. The company said the redesign was still on the way later this year, making iOS 27.3 a likely candidate for its return.
The redesigned app includes features such as Health Age and the ability to schedule lab work through Quest Diagnostics. Beyond that, 9to5Mac said it would need to install the update and explore what Apple included before knowing the full picture.
iOS 27.3 is available through the developer beta program, and 9to5Mac said it would follow up with new features and other changes as it found them.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The beta opens a new testing cycle for iPhone software, with the final release expected later this year.
- The redesigned Health app may finally ship after being removed from the previous beta cycle, bringing features like Health Age and Quest Diagnostics lab scheduling.
- Developers and users monitoring the beta will get an early look at what Apple is preparing for the next iPhone update.
Background
Apple tests upcoming iPhone operating system updates through developer beta programs before public release. The redesigned Health app appeared during the iOS 27.2 cycle, but Apple restored the previous version in the fourth beta and said the new design would come later this year, setting up iOS 27.3 as the likely place for its return.
What to Watch
- Whether the redesigned Health app actually appears in the iOS 27.3 beta or is pushed back again.
- What other new features are discovered as testers install and explore the update.
- The timing of the public release of iOS 27.3 later this year.
Checked
10 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 10 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedApple released the first iOS 27.3 developer beta for iPhone.9to5Mac: “Apple has released the first iOS 27.3 developer beta for iPhone.”
- SupportedThe redesigned Health app could return after being removed during the iOS 27.2 beta cycle.9to5Mac: “One change we’re watching for is the return of Apple’s redesigned Health app. Apple introduced the upgrade during the iOS 27.2 beta cycle before restoring the previous Health app in beta 4.”
- SupportedThe update starts a new round of testing as Apple prepares more features for release later this year.9to5Mac: “The update starts a new round of testing as Apple prepares more features for release later this year.”
- SupportedApple introduced the redesigned Health app during the iOS 27.2 beta cycle and restored the previous app in beta 4.9to5Mac: “Apple introduced the upgrade during the iOS 27.2 beta cycle before restoring the previous Health app in beta 4.”
- SupportedApple said the new Health app version was still coming later this year.9to5Mac: “The company said the new version was still coming later this year”
- SupportediOS 27.3 is a likely candidate for the redesigned Health app’s return.9to5Mac: “making iOS 27.3 a likely candidate for its return.”
- SupportedThe redesigned Health app includes Health Age and the ability to schedule lab work through Quest Diagnostics.9to5Mac: “The upgrade includes features like Health Age and the ability to schedule lab work through Quest Diagnostics.”
- Supported9to5Mac said it needed to install the update and explore its contents before knowing the full picture.9to5Mac: “We’ll have to install today’s update and explore what Apple has included before we know the full picture.”
- SupportediOS 27.3 is available through the developer beta program.9to5Mac: “For now, iOS 27.3 is available through the developer beta program.”
- Supported9to5Mac said it would follow up with new features and other changes as it found them.9to5Mac: “We’ll follow up with new features and other changes as we find them.”
