Apple is reportedly planning to introduce a bill-splitting feature within iOS 27, according to a report from CNET. This potential new capability would allow users to more easily divide expenses with others directly through their iPhones.
What Happened
CNET reports that Apple’s iOS 27, expected later in 2026, will include a native bill-splitting feature. The report doesn't detail how the feature will function, but it is expected to integrate with Apple Pay for user authentication and transaction processing. Currently, splitting bills on Apple devices often requires using third-party apps or manual calculations and transfers.
Why It Matters
For developers, this suggests Apple is continuing to expand the functionality of Apple Pay and integrating more financial tools directly into the operating system. This could reduce reliance on third-party apps for common tasks like expense sharing, potentially impacting developers who offer similar services. While the report doesn’t specify technical details, it's likely Apple will open up APIs allowing developers to integrate with the new billing features, offering new possibilities.
From an enterprise perspective, this simplifies expense reporting for teams using Apple devices. It could also encourage wider adoption of Apple Pay within organizations. The move also positions Apple more competitively against other mobile payment platforms like Venmo and Cash App, which already offer bill-splitting functionality. It's important to note that the report does not detail whether the feature will support complex splitting scenarios (e.g., different contributions from each person, tax/tip calculations).
What To Watch
Details regarding the feature’s implementation – such as supported currencies, integration with Apple Cash, and API availability for developers – remain unknown. It will be important to see whether Apple provides developers with tools to build upon this functionality. It's also worth watching whether Android counterparts introduce similar features. The limited information available means the actual implementation could differ significantly from expectations.