Apple's Find My in iOS 27 Adds Fine-Grained Location Sharing Controls

Apple's Find My app is getting more granular location-sharing controls in iOS 27, according to Engadget. The update, currently available in public beta, expands on existing options that previously limited users to sharing for one hour, one day, or indefinitely.

In iOS 26 and earlier, those were the only choices. Now, users can select from presets like 'For One Hour' or 'For Today,' but also opt for a custom duration using rolling dials for days, hours, and minutes. The minimum sharing period is 15 minutes, and users can specify a precise end date and time instead of calculating manually.

The feature is designed for scenarios where permanent sharing is excessive but a short window is insufficient. Engadget cites examples such as traveling with friends who split up for an afternoon, or a blind date where a roommate tracks your location for safety. Instead of remembering to disable sharing after a trip, the app automatically stops after the set period.

Once sharing is active, the recipient can tap the user's name in their Find My People list to see their location. When the time expires, access ends.

A second new feature allows users who share indefinitely—such as with a spouse or child—to temporarily hide their location. The other person is not notified; they simply see that the location is unavailable. Engadget suggests use cases like picking up a surprise gift or attending a surprise party. This pause is more convenient than removing and re-adding sharing permissions.

The feature is available now for those who install the iOS 27 public beta, but Engadget cautions that beta software may be buggy and advises backing up an iPhone before installing. The official release date has not been announced.

The updates are part of a broader iOS 27 release that includes improvements to Apple Intelligence, Siri, child safety, accessibility, and Maps, as Engadget notes. However, the Find My changes are minor compared to those headline features.

For daily users, the expanded sharing options reduce the friction of managing location permissions. They offer a middle ground between excessive sharing and constant manual adjustments. The hide feature addresses privacy needs without disrupting existing sharing arrangements.

These changes are unlikely to drive upgrades on their own. They are quality-of-life improvements for people who already use Find My for coordination or safety. Those with older iPhones may find the new controls convenient, but they are not a compelling reason to switch devices.

As with any beta feature, users should weigh the risks of early adoption against the benefits of testing the new tools before the official release.