Apple releases iOS 26.2 – Here are the biggest news

iOS 26.2 is expected to become available in mid-December and will be rolled out to all iPhones that support iOS 26.

The update introduces both brand-new features and a series of improvements to existing services.

One of the major new features is the ability to choose a voice assistant other than Siri.

However, this feature will initially launch only in Japan.

There, iPhone users will be able to change which assistant is activated when holding down the side button.

Examples include alternatives such as ChatGPT or Gemini.

The change requires a Japanese Apple ID and address, but it is believed that the option may be related to upcoming EU regulations on digital markets.

Live Translation and New Feature in the Reminders App

Another significant addition is the introduction of live translation via AirPods in the EU.

The feature has been in the works for some time and will work with AirPods Pro 2 and 3, as well as AirPods 4 with noise cancellation.

Initially 11 languages will be supported.

The feature requires an iPhone 15 Pro or newer and Apple Intelligence to be enabled.

The Reminders app will now include support for actual alarms.

When a reminder is marked as important, users can receive an alert with options to snooze, stop, or complete the task directly from the lock screen.

These new alarms will appear in blue to distinguish them from regular alerts.

Visual and Technical Improvements for Everyday Use

Users will also gain new customization options for the lock screen.

A new feature called Liquid Glass allows for adjusting the clock’s transparency, ranging from nearly invisible to a frosted appearance.

Another feature aimed at sharing is the ability to use AirDrop with a one-time code.

This enables file sharing with people without needing to add them as contacts.

Access lasts up to 30 days and can be managed directly in Settings.

Apple has also introduced several smaller changes:

• Apple Music now displays lyrics offline
• Sleep score scale has been adjusted
• Podcasts gain auto-generated chapters and easy access to mentioned links
• Passwords can now exclude specific websites within the app
• Freeform now supports tables
• Weather app introduces a new structure for time-based alerts
• Apple News gets a new layout and a separate “Following” tab
• LED flash alerts can now be complemented by screen flashes
• CarPlay gains the ability to disable pinned messages
• Pop-up animations are now faster and more dynamic
• A privacy notice will be shown the first time an Apple account is accessed after the update

Apple is expected to roll out the update between December 9 and 16.

It will be available for all iPhones running iOS 26, including models as far back as iPhone 11 and SE (2nd generation).