The iMessage text input bar's shared send and record button has long frustrated users. Justin Bieber went viral complaining about accidentally tapping the audio button, which interrupts music to launch voice recording. He wrote that the send button shouldn't have multiple functions and joked about putting everyone at Apple in a choke hold until fixed.

Whether responding to Bieber or not, Apple has addressed the issue in iOS 27. Users can now choose what appears in the text field via Settings > Apps > Messages > Show in Text Field. Three options are available: Record Audio for regular voice message senders, Start Dictation for those who dictate texts, or None — the "Bieber" option for users who rarely use these features.

Removing the buttons doesn't sacrifice functionality. Voice messages remain accessible via the + button left of the text box, then selecting Audio. Dictation is available through the microphone icon beneath the keyboard on the lower right, enabled in Settings > General > Keyboard > Enable Dictation.

Apple also added a new Drawing app for sketches and handwritten notes, an AI tool suggesting words and automating tasks, support for one number across two separate iPhones, and improved RCS support including message editing and unsending.