What’s new in iOS 26.2
After several weeks in beta, Apple has officially released iOS 26.2 for all iPhone users. The update introduces improvements across Apple Music, Podcasts, Reminders, Apple News, CarPlay, and the system-wide Liquid Glass design, along with several security and accessibility enhancements.
Reminders gains urgent alarms
iOS 26.2 adds a long requested “Urgent” option to the Reminders app. When enabled, this setting automatically triggers an alarm at the reminder’s due time. It also supports snooze options and Live Activities, making it easier to stay on top of critical tasks.
Apple Music adds offline lyrics
Apple Music now supports offline lyrics for downloaded songs. Users can view full lyrics, translations, and beat by beat syncing even without an internet connection. The update also improves access to the Favorites playlist and fixes an issue where new releases were not immediately playable.
Apple Podcasts introduces AI chapters
Apple Podcasts now automatically generates episode chapters using artificial intelligence. Creator supplied chapters will still take priority when available. A new Podcast Mentions feature also lets listeners discover and follow podcasts referenced during an episode directly from the player or transcript.
Sleep Score adjustments
In conjunction with watchOS 26.2, Apple has refined Sleep Score classifications. The scoring thresholds have been raised after feedback that previous ratings were too generous, providing a more realistic assessment of sleep quality.
Apple News navigation refresh
The News app has been redesigned to better handle its expanding content. The Today tab now includes quick access buttons for Sports, Puzzles, Politics, and Food. A new Following tab centralizes saved stories, favorites, and reading history, while Search has been simplified for discovery.
Changes for EU users
For users in the European Union, iOS 26.2 enables Live Translation with AirPods for the first time. However, due to Digital Markets Act requirements, Wi Fi network syncing between iPhone and Apple Watch has been removed, requiring manual sign in on each device.
Liquid Glass design updates
Apple continues to refine Liquid Glass. iOS 26.2 adds a new Lock Screen slider that allows users to fine tune clock transparency. Additional animations have been added throughout the system, and the Measure app’s Level tool now features a refreshed Liquid Glass look.
CarPlay and other improvements
CarPlay users can now disable pinned conversations in Messages, and some vehicles support additional widget stacks. Other updates include enhanced safety alerts, table support in Freeform, new accessibility flash alerts, improved controller support in Games, and stronger AirDrop verification.
Availability
iOS 26.2 is available now through the Settings app on supported iPhones. Apple recommends updating promptly, as the release also includes important security fixes.
