Apple Cash in iOS 27 will help you split bills with just a photo, making shared expenses effortless. Instead of manually calculating who owes what, you can snap a picture of a receipt, and the system automatically identifies items, calculates each person's share, and sends payment requests through Apple Cash. This feature is designed to save time, reduce awkward money conversations, and keep your finances organized.
How Does Splitting Bills with a Photo Work?
The new Apple Cash feature uses advanced image recognition to read receipts. After you take a photo, the software detects individual items, prices, and taxes. You can then assign each item to a person in your contacts. The app calculates totals, including tips, and sends a split payment request via iMessage. No more manual math or guessing who ordered what.
Step-by-Step: Using Apple Cash for Group Payments
- Snap the receipt: Open the Apple Cash app in iOS 27 and select the "Split with Photo" option. Take a clear picture of the receipt.
- Tag items to people: The app highlights each item. Tap on an item and choose a contact from your list. Repeat for every item.
- Review and send: The app automatically calculates each person's subtotal, tax, and tip. You can adjust amounts if needed. Then, tap "Request" to send the payment requests.
- Pay instantly: Your friends receive a notification in iMessage. They can pay their share directly with Apple Cash, and the money appears in your Apple Cash balance immediately.
Why This Feature Is a Game Changer for Shared Expenses
Splitting bills is a common pain point, especially for group dinners, vacations, or shared household costs. Apple Cash in iOS 27 eliminates the need for third-party apps or awkward IOUs. It integrates directly into your iPhone, making it faster and more secure. Plus, since Apple Cash is linked to your Apple ID, there's no need to exchange bank details or use cash.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Apple Cash Bill Splitting
- Use good lighting: For accurate scanning, place the receipt on a flat surface with even lighting. Avoid shadows or creases.
- Double-check item assignments: While the AI is smart, it may misread similar items. Always review before sending requests.
- Set a group tip: The app lets you apply a standard tip percentage to the whole bill, which is perfect for restaurants.
- Combine with other Apple Cash features: You can also use Apple Cash for person-to-person payments, Apple Pay purchases, and even savings accounts.
Privacy and Security You Can Trust
Apple prioritizes user privacy. The receipt photo is processed on your device using on-device machine learning, not on Apple's servers. Your payment data is encrypted and protected by Face ID or Touch ID. Apple does not store your receipt images or share your transaction history with third parties.
When Will iOS 27 Be Available?
iOS 27 is expected to launch in fall 2025, alongside new iPhone models. The Apple Cash split-with-photo feature will be available to all users with an Apple Cash account and compatible iPhone (iPhone 15 or later). You can sign up for the beta program in summer 2025 to try it early.
This update makes Apple Cash one of the most convenient tools for managing group expenses. Whether you're splitting a dinner bill, sharing a ride, or dividing vacation costs, a single photo does all the work.
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