Apple Updates Find My in iOS 27 to Automatically Switch Location Source to Apple Watch

Apple is enhancing the Find My application in the upcoming iOS 27 release to intelligently switch the source of a user's location data between devices. The current system relies on a single selected device, typically the iPhone, which causes inaccurate location reporting when the user leaves the phone at home. In iOS 27, the app will detect when paired Apple Watch devices move far from the iPhone and automatically begin transmitting coordinates from the watch instead. The feature supports both standard Apple Watch models and cellular variants, with LTE-equipped watches providing more reliable updates without depending on Wi-Fi or nearby iPhones. watchOS 27 will also consolidate the separate Find People, Find Devices, and Find Items apps into a single unified Locator application featuring a full-screen map and Digital Crown navigation. Both iOS 27 and watchOS 27 are currently in beta testing, with a public release expected in September.

AntiMalwareTranslated from Russian

Read at source

Apple is preparing a significant update to its location-tracking capabilities in iOS 27, allowing the Locator app to automatically switch the source of a user's geolocation data when the primary device is left behind.

Currently, the system operates in a rigid manner: users must select one device, usually their iPhone, as the sole source of location information. This setup means that leaving the iPhone at home results in the map incorrectly showing the user as stationary at that location, even if they have departed with another device.

With iOS 27, the algorithm becomes more sophisticated. When paired Apple Watch devices move a significant distance from the iPhone, the Locator app will begin transmitting coordinates from the watch. Once the devices are brought back together, the system reverts to the original source without requiring manual intervention.

The functionality will work with both standard Apple Watch models and those equipped with cellular connectivity. Watches with LTE support will deliver more reliable location updates, as they do not need to rely on nearby Wi-Fi networks or the presence of an iPhone.

Unified Locator App in watchOS 27

Alongside the iOS changes, watchOS 27 will retire the separate applications Find People, Find Devices, and Find Items. These will be replaced by a single, unified Locator app that features a full-screen map and an improved interface. Users will be able to switch between people, devices, and item tags using the Digital Crown on their Apple Watch.

Both iOS 27 and watchOS 27 are currently undergoing beta testing. The public release is scheduled for September, after which users will be able to leave their iPhone at home without losing accurate location tracking on the map.

Meridian digestThe week's most consequential security stories, distilled into one briefing.See the digest

More in Privacy & Surveillance

Maximizing iPhone Privacy: Essential Settings to Enable, Disable, and Verify Immediately
Top 10 Secure DNS Servers for Privacy, Threat Blocking and Ad Filtering in 2026
WebRTC IP Leaks Explained: Why Disabling the Protocol Harms Anonymity in Anti-Detect Browsers