Tech Guide #698 – The new Apple features that didn't make the WWDC keynote

Two Blokes Talking Tech46mJune 16, 2026
AI-Generated Summary

Apple's 2026 WWDC keynote spotlighted Siri AI and system-wide Apple Intelligence, but the real innovation lay in the 100+ features that never made the stage. Stephen Fennec reveals the hidden gems: from 'draw your message' in iMessage to the ability to save video frames post-recording, and even a new alarm volume setting that finally separates your wake-up call from silent mode. The most surprising revelation? A Bupa insurance policy that covers both physical phone damage and cybercrime — a first in the market. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 17T proves that flagship performance under $1,000 is possible, with a Leica-tuned camera system that delivers 120x AI zoom and 10x lossless optical zoom, while the Insta360 Lunar Ultra 8K gimbal camera, co-engineered with Leica, offers pro-level 8K video, 14-stop dynamic range, and detachable OLED control — all in a smartphone-sized package. These features, though overlooked in the keynote, represent the real evolution of mobile tech.

Key Takeaways
1

Bupa's new phone insurance covers both physical damage and cybercrime, including identity theft and financial loss — a first in Australia.

2

Siri AI in iOS 27 uses on-device intelligence to draft emails, edit photos, and create shortcuts via natural language — no coding required.

3

iOS 27 allows you to save individual video frames as images after recording, not just during filming.

4

The alarm volume in iOS 27 can now be set independently from system volume, preventing silent alarms during do-not-disturb mode.

5

Xiaomi 17T features a Leica-tuned 120x AI zoom camera with 10x lossless optical zoom, ideal for distant subjects like Big Ben.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
3 min

Bupa's New Phone Insurance: Damage + Cyber Protection

This is a cover that protects your phone and your digital life together, giving people real peace of mind when things go wrong.

Highlight
3:00
5 min

Siri AI and Apple Intelligence: The Real WWDC Breakthrough

If Apple intelligence can do that, then that's going to be a winner, I believe.

Highlight
8:20
8 min

Top 10 Features That Missed the WWDC Keynote

A deep dive into overlooked iOS 27, macOS 27, and watchOS 27 features, including draw-in-iMessage, video frame saving, dual phone numbers, and better hotspot battery efficiency.

16:40
8 min

Xiaomi 17T Review: Flagship Features Under $1,000

The first image is at 1x zoom and Big Ben's like a tiny little dot in the background. And then I zoomed it right in... to fill the frame with the clock face of Big Ben.

Highlight
25:00
8 min

Insta360 Lunar Ultra 8K Gimbal Camera: Pro-Grade in a Pocket

It has 14 stops of dynamic range, and can capture 37 megapixel stills, and 200 megapixel scenic panorama shots.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
The first image is at 1x zoom and Big Ben's like a tiny little dot in the background. And then I zoomed it right in from that spot. So from the first spot of those photo series, you'll see how far away I am.
Stephen Fennec33:53
This is a cover that protects your phone and your digital life together, giving people real peace of mind when things go wrong.
Stephen Fennec5:52
So it has 14 stops of dynamic range, and can capture 37 megapixel stills, and 200 megapixel scenic panorama shots.
Stephen Fennec37:49

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