Major software updates almost never arrive without a few hiccups, and iOS 27 is proving to be no exception. Developers have been scrambling to patch issues as they surface, and some have already made headlines — like the Apple Intelligence bug that eats up roughly 15GB of storage for certain users, even those who never touch AI features or live in regions where the service isn't offered. Fortunately, that particular problem has a workaround. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the frustrating HDMI output issue that's been plaguing iPhone owners.
A growing number of Reddit users are reporting that their iPhones cut off video playback to external displays via HDMI the moment the device locks. In previous iOS versions, you could hook your phone up to a monitor or TV, let the screen turn off, and the video would keep playing without interruption. That behavior has now changed.
What's curious is that the problem doesn't affect every app. In our own office testing, VLC continued streaming without a hitch on a locked screen, while YouTube and Netflix both exhibited the issue. According to user reports, several other apps are impacted as well.
After some investigation, we discovered the root cause: Apple quietly implemented a new policy in iOS 27 that requires apps to explicitly register external display video sessions. Previously, the operating system granted this permission automatically, with no action needed from developers.
As for workarounds, the only real option is to leave your iPhone unlocked for the duration of playback — lowering the brightness can help conserve battery life in the meantime. Of course, this creates its own headaches, since accidental touches become a real risk, especially if you're using AR glasses such as the XREAL Air 2 where the phone might be tucked away in a pocket or bag.
The problem first surfaced back in September alongside the iOS 27 launch, and the recently released iOS 27.2 update does nothing to resolve it. That said, some would argue this isn't technically a "bug" at all — Apple simply changed the rules around how apps request permission for external video output. That would certainly explain why VLC continues to work as expected. The ball is now in the developers' court, and affected apps will need updates that comply with iOS 27's new requirements before seamless HDMI playback returns.
