iOS 27 Is Set to Open Up AirPlay for Third‑Party Streaming Apps

Apple fans have been hearing whispers for months that the next big iOS release – iOS 27 – is going to shake up the way we share media across devices. The latest scoop comes from Mark Gurman, the analyst who’s practically a prophet when it comes to Apple’s roadmaps.

According to his report, Apple is planning to bake native AirPlay support for third‑party streaming apps right into the operating system. In plain English, that means you could press play in Spotify, Netflix, or even a niche podcast player and have the content beam straight to your HomePod, Apple TV, or any AirPlay‑compatible speaker without needing a dedicated companion app.

Right now, most of those services rely on a workaround – either a separate iOS app that talks to the Apple device, or a web‑based solution that’s a little clunky. Apple’s move would essentially hand the reins over to developers, letting them tap the same AirPlay framework that Apple’s own apps already enjoy.

Gurman notes that the change is part of a broader push to make the AirPlay ecosystem more “open” and competitive. He points out that Apple has already opened up AirPlay 2 for audio‑only streaming from third parties, but iOS 27 could finally extend that flexibility to video as well. Imagine watching a YouTube video on your iPhone and sending it to the big screen with a single tap, no extra software required.

There are a few practical details that still need clarification. For instance, Apple hasn’t said whether the new API will support DRM‑protected content, which is a big deal for services like Disney+ or HBO Max. And developers will likely need to update their apps to take advantage of the new capabilities – a process that could take a few months after the OS ships.

From a user standpoint, the potential payoff is pretty sweet. No more juggling Bluetooth connections, no more awkward “cast” buttons that sometimes refuse to work. Just seamless, wireless streaming that feels as natural as plugging in a cable.

Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 at its annual WWDC event later this year. If Gurman’s intel holds true, the AirPlay upgrades will be one of the headline features, alongside the usual performance tweaks and new visual flair.

Until then, developers and power users alike can only wait and hope that Apple follows through on this promise of a more inclusive AirPlay experience.