Apple’s iOS 27 update has introduced another problem for iPhone users, affecting video playback through HDMI connections. Several users report that videos stop playing on external displays once they lock their iPhones.
Previously, users could connect their iPhones to external screens and turn off their phone displays. Video playback would continue without interruption. However, this no longer works for some popular streaming apps.
According to reports on Reddit, the issue affects multiple apps, including YouTube and Netflix. Our own tests also reproduced the problem in both apps. However, VLC appears to work normally, even when the iPhone is locked.
The problem appears to be linked to a change in Apple’s external display permissions. With iOS 27, Apple introduced a new requirement for apps to register certain video sessions on connected displays. Previously, iOS handled these permissions automatically.
As a result, apps that have not adopted the new requirements may stop streaming when users lock their iPhones. This could also explain why VLC continues working without any issues.
For now, users have limited options to avoid the problem. They must keep their iPhone screens unlocked during external video playback. Lowering screen brightness can help reduce battery consumption. However, users must avoid accidentally touching the display.
This workaround can be particularly inconvenient for people using AR glasses. Devices such as the XREAL Air 2 rely on connected iPhones for viewing content. Keeping the phone unlocked makes the experience less practical.
The issue first appeared in September following the iOS 27 release. However, Apple’s latest iOS 27.2 update has not fixed the problem. Instead, the change appears to require app developers to update their software.
Apple may not consider this a traditional software bug. The company has changed how external display permissions work. Therefore, developers will likely need to update their apps to support the new requirements. Until then, iPhone users may continue experiencing HDMI playback problems.
