iOS 27 envy? 4 features you can already use on an Android phone (including Samsung models)


Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, iPhone 16 Pro, and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

  • iOS 27 unveiled some new tricks, but Android has many.
  • Apple’s AI injections will feel familiar to Android users.
  • There are some new features I’d like Android to steal.

I’ve been an Android devotee for more than 15 years. In fact, you might even call me a fanboy as I’m quick to point out the numerous reasons why it’s the superior phone OS. Every year when Apple releases a new version of iOS, I’m the one saying, “Android did it first.”  

Now, fresh off the announcement of iOS 27, it looks like my “What took you so long?” claims are true. Many of the flashy new iPhone tricks exist in some form in Android, and in some cases, users have had them for years. Still, I’m willing to put my fandom aside at times and admit some things are cool.

Also: The two biggest iOS 27 features at WWDC for me had nothing to do with Siri AI

Here’s a look at four iOS 27 features that Android already has, and two I’d like Android to steal.

What’s familiar to Android fans?

1. Siri AI

Perhaps the biggest upgrade in iOS 27 is Siri AI (which only newer devices can access, by the way). Apple touted the new Siri as a “profoundly more capable and conversational assistant” with “personal context understanding, broad world knowledge, and onscreen awareness.” Apple said the AI can even pull context from emails and messages to take action across apps.

This capability feels like familiar territory for Android users. Google’s AI, Gemini, has been around for several years and is now ubiquitous across Google products, including Android Auto. Gemini can handle conversations well, run actions across multiple apps, check your messages and email for context, talk about what’s on screen, and more. In short, everything Apple is advertising. 

Also: Will your iPhone support Siri AI? The answer is complicated

Over time, I think Siri AI will ultimately have a deeper ecosystem integration, given that Google doesn’t control everything in the Android world, as Apple does with iOS. However, for now, Apple is just catching up to where Google has been for years.

2. Generative photo editing

Apple users are getting an AI photo-editing upgrade via Spatial Reframe, Cleanup, and Expand. The latter two features use AI to remove unwanted objects and people and enlarge the borders of a photo. The first feature lets you shift the angle or perspective of a photo.

Also: I’m a devoted iPhone user, but Android 17 is tempting me with its new video and social features

Android can handle a host of AI-powered photo edits, such as removing objects with Magic Eraser, expanding photo edges with Generative Expand, repositioning subjects within a frame, changing the crop, and generating missing backgrounds. While these capabilities started as Pixel exclusives, they became available to all Android users in 2024. The one win here for Apple is that Android doesn’t have a direct comparison to Spatial Reframe. I even tried asking Gemini to move the perspective a few feet, and it replied that it couldn’t.

3. Apple Intelligence in Messages and Wallet

“Everyday interactions in Apple Wallet become more seamless and intelligent,” Apple explained, thanks to the integration of Apple Intelligence. By simply pointing your phone at a receipt, you can split a bill by choosing your items on a receipt and paying with Apple Cash.

Also: I never use a new iPhone until I change these settings – why they’re such a big deal

Google Photos and Google Wallet have Google Lens integration that can do the same thing, and while paying might not be directly integrated, it is easy to handle that task through a third-party app.

4. More nuanced volume controls

One of the biggest examples of “Android had it first” I’ve ever seen, Apple is now letting users control ringtone, alarm, and alert volumes independently. Apple’s controls are aimed a little more at “intelligent” control, such as telling Siri to “turn down music during calls,” equalizing volume across apps, and letting AI decide what the volume should be. But this feature is the first time you can set different volume levels for alarms and media on an iPhone.

Just as a raw feature, this capability is something Android has had for a very long time. 

What I’d love Android to steal

However, Apple isn’t just creating features in iOS 27 that feel familiar to Android users. As mentioned earlier, there are a few things I’d love Android to steal. 

1. Call Context

This feature, as Apple explained, proactively finds relevant information when you call a business. For example, if you call an airline, your phone will automatically show your reservation code from your confirmation email. 

Also: Android phone slow? I changed 2 developer settings for an instant speed boost

Android has Call Screening, Hold For Me, real-time transcription of calls, after-call summaries, and context-aware suggestions based on information in other Google apps, but all of those are more like pre- and post-call benefits. Call Context works during a call to give you helpful information. I’d love to see Android take its call-related features a step further and introduce something similar. 

2. Automatic password changing

If there’s one area where I have digital fatigue, it’s passwords. I’m tired of trying to satisfy the ever-harder requirements for every new service, I hate changing passwords when my data is breached, and I’m over logging in to apps and services multiple times. Despite the dangers, I trust my Google account for most logins.

Also: Apple’s new Siri AI comes with hidden costs that power users should know of

New in iOS 27 is a feature that can log in to a service if your password is compromised and automatically change it for you. Now, the feature only works on supported platforms, but it’s a big win where it does. 





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2026 has shaped up to be a big year for Milwaukee, and the company shows no signs of slowing down as it expands its product line. For example, it has announced that some solid new Milwaukee hand tools and organizers will be arriving throughout the summer, but that’s not all. At the end of the day, you need somewhere to put all of this stuff, and while the Milwaukee Packout storage system is deep and varied as is, the company will expand the line in the summer months.

More methods for organizing your tools are on the way, too, with the Milwaukee Packout line set to introduce some new entries this summer. They vary in size, purpose, and price point, but they’re all compatible with the wider Packout line. That means they can connect to each other, making transportation easier. In some cases, they’ll be able to help keep tools and other items secure and organized while on the move. Additionally, all of these new Packout products are covered by Milwaukee’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

So, what new products does Milwaukee have to offer from its Packout line this summer? Here are the drops you can look forward to throughout June and July 2026.

Milwaukee compact crate

Sometimes, a massive Packout crate isn’t a necessity, which is why the line has its share of smaller options. Yet another will be coming to the Milwaukee catalog in the form of the Milwaukee Packout compact crate, which is set for a June 2026 release and will cost $39.97. It has a 30-pound weight capacity, comes in at 8.75 inches tall, 9.5 inches wide, 15.5 inches long, and 3.75 pounds, and includes two removable dividers to create up to three sections within the crate. The dividers can also be customized by cutting them to size along the pre-made score lines.

This compact crate features a wide front opening for easy access to its contents while on the job, as well as a metal top handle to carry it around on its own. Should you want to add it to your current Packout stack, you can use the connection points at the top and bottom of the crate. Speaking of durability, Milwaukee notes that it has an impact-resistant body along with weep holes to prevent water collection. At the same time, there is some nuance regarding the waterproof nature of Milwaukee Packout products, so keep that in mind before letting this crate get soaked.

Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate

A shorter but equally mighty Milwaukee Packout container is also on its way to customers this summer. The Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate is the shortest of the new releases at just 6.625 inches tall, though it makes up for what it lacks in height with a 15-inch length and an 18.625-inch width. Even though it’s slightly heavier than the compact crate at 4.85 pounds, it wins out in weight capacity with a 50-pound limit. It will be released in June 2026 and will cost $44.97.

For added modularity, the low-profile crate includes three different divider types: eight short, two long, and one for the middle of the container. When combined, they form up to 12 individual sections for tool and accessory organization. In terms of connecting to other Packout containers, it can do so from the top and bottom. Alternatively, built-in side handles are integrated into the design to make it easier to carry the crate on its own. The crate has weep holes for water drainage and an impact-resistant body.

Milwaukee Packout XL crate

Moving on to one of the larger upcoming Milwaukee Packout releases — even if it ultimately lands somewhere in the middle of the smallest and largest Packout containers for sale — there’s the aptly-named Milwaukee Packout XL crate. This release will hit shelves in June 2026 and comes with a $69.97 price tag. The 8.03-pound crate can take on some serious tools with its 75-pound weight capacity. It measures 15 inches tall, 15.75 inches long, and 18.625 inches wide. Despite its size, it can be hung up on a wall like most other Packout containers.

While some may hang this crate in their workshop, many will use it as part of their mobile Packout stack. You can connect it to your existing setup via the top and bottom connection points. It can also be used with Milwaukee toolbox attachments to hold smaller tools and batteries with connection points on the sides. Alternatively, you can move the crate around using its built-in side handles. It’s advertised as having an impact-resistant body along with anti-water collection weep holes. Suffice to say, there’s more to this seemingly simple crate than initially meets the eye.

Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL Crate

For the most part, the Milwaukee Packout line is so popular because of its versatility. While most entries can be used for just about anything, there are those that come with a specialized function. Case in point, the forthcoming Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL crate, which is designed for dispensing wire. This involves inserting and locking in spools of the user’s needed material, threading the wire through the wire retention slots, and using the fold-down panel to keep the end of the wire from rolling back into the box.

Overall, this crate has the same dimensions and weight capacity as the previously covered Packout XL crate, though it is the heavier of the two at 9.85 pounds. It can accommodate up to six spools, can be stacked onto other Packout containers or hung up, and has an impact-resistant body. This is the most expensive of the new Packout releases at a hefty $119.97, and it’s set to release during July 2026. Alongside the best Milwaukee power tools for electrical work, this crate seems like a vital piece for any Milwaukee-enthusiast electrician’s kit.

New Milwaukee Packout inserts are coming, too

That’s it for the new Milwaukee Packout containers set to debut this summer, but there are more new releases yet to cover. To pair with some of these containers and improve their levels of organization and function, come two new insert sets. First is the divider for the Milwaukee Packout XL crate, which splits the container into two sections. It simply slides down the middle of the crate and fits snugly into place, while retaining its ability to connect with smaller Packout attachments. It will be released in July 2026 for $29.97.

Alongside the Packout XL crate divider is the set of Packout wire pulling inserts for the XL crate. You’ll need these if you end up buying an XL crate and later want to use it as a wire-pulling crate. These inserts allow you to convert it instead of having to buy a new designated wire pulling crate. They attach to two of the inner sides of the crate via T-25 screws and include wire puller guards as well. The Milwaukee product listing says these inserts are meant for 1/2-inch EMT conduit. This insert set also comes out in July and will cost $49.97. 





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