Apple is giving FaceTime a major upgrade in iOS 27, and the headline feature is a new Dual Camera mode that lets users share both their front and rear camera views during a video call. The feature works on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air, bringing a more interactive way to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues.
According to 9to5Mac, the feature builds on the Dual Capture functionality that debuted with the iPhone 17 lineup last year. Users can now activate the same capability directly inside FaceTime, making it easier to show their surroundings while remaining visible on screen throughout a conversation.
“On iPhone 17 and other compatible models, tapping the ‘Flip’ button on the camera viewfinder automatically turns on dual camera mode. You can optionally disable the front camera with a second tap. But the default is to keep your front camera view still active when the rear camera is turned on.” 9to5Mac
The feature activates when users tap the camera flip button during a FaceTime call. FaceTime then displays the rear camera feed alongside the front-facing camera view, allowing both perspectives to appear at the same time. Users can switch off the front camera view if they only want to share what is in front of them.
Alongside Dual Camera support, Apple has also improved FaceTime call quality on poor network connections and expanded Live Captions support to Traditional Chinese. These additions make FaceTime more reliable and accessible across different regions and network conditions.
iOS 27 is currently available as a developer beta, while Apple plans to release a public beta in July before the full launch expected in September.
