iOS 27 adds Visual Intelligence bill splitting and Wallet pass scanning

The bill-splitting feature relies on the iPhone camera. Users place an itemized receipt on a flat, well-lit surface, open Control Center, tap Visual Intelligence, scan the receipt, and press a yellow 'Split Bill with Apple Cash' button. They then choose contacts for the split, review items and amounts, and send Apple Cash requests. The tool is not universal: Engadget says it requires Apple Cash to be set up, a compatible iPhone running iOS 27, a readable itemized receipt, and contacts who are able to receive and send Apple Cash. Taxes, tips, discounts, shared appetizers and service charges can be reviewed before payment is requested.

The same Visual Intelligence control will also scan compatible physical passes, such as boarding passes, loyalty cards and tickets, and add them to Apple Wallet. According to Engadget, the process may vary by issuer, and some passes will still need to be added through an airline, venue or retailer app. Users can organize their Wallet cards by touching and holding one and dragging it into place.

Visual Intelligence and split bill pay are available only in the iOS 27 Public or Developer Beta until some point in the fall, Engadget says. Even after the official release, the report suggests that an issuer's official 'Add to Apple Wallet' link may be more reliable, with Visual Intelligence serving as a fallback for compatible physical passes.