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Apple’s iOS 27 update appears to have introduced an HDMI playback problem that is affecting some iPhone users. Reports suggest that videos stop playing on connected external displays as soon as the iPhone is locked. The issue has been reported in popular streaming apps, including YouTube and Netflix, while other applications appear to work normally.
Before the update, users could connect their iPhones to a television, monitor or another external display through HDMI, lock the phone and continue watching videos. However, this behavior has changed with iOS 27. Users now report that locking the device interrupts video output on the connected screen.
The problem does not appear to affect every application. According to testing cited by GSMArena, VLC continues to play videos on an external display even after the iPhone is locked. YouTube and Netflix, on the other hand, have reportedly shown the playback interruption.
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The issue may be linked to a change in how iOS handles external display permissions. Under the new system, applications need to register certain video sessions on external displays themselves. Previously, iOS reportedly handled the required permission automatically.
This change could mean that app developers need to update their software to support the revised system behavior.
For now, users can avoid the interruption by keeping their iPhones unlocked while watching content through HDMI. Reducing screen brightness may help limit battery consumption, but it does not address the underlying problem.
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The workaround can be inconvenient, particularly for people using external displays or AR glasses such as the XREAL Air 2. Keeping the phone active also increases the chances of accidental screen touches.
The problem was first reported around the September release of iOS 27. However, the latest iOS 27.2 update has reportedly not resolved it. Apple has not announced a confirmed fix or timeline for addressing the issue.