Apple has officially released iOS 26.2, aimed at enhancing security and improving the user experience on iPhones, alongside parallel updates for iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS. The update focuses less on major interface changes and more on practical features, gradual improvements to core apps, and fixing sensitive security vulnerabilities.
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AirDrop Becomes Safer with an Additional Verification Code
One of the standout features of iOS 26.2 is enhanced AirDrop security, which now includes a verification step when sharing files with unknown contacts. The system generates an AirDrop code that appears on the recipient’s device and must be entered on the sender’s device to complete the transfer, valid for up to 30 days.
This reduces the risk of receiving unwanted files in public spaces and gives users clearer control over sharing. Authorized contacts can be managed under Settings → General → AirDrop, with a new option specifically for managing known contacts.
Deeper Customization for Liquid Glass on the Lock Screen
Apple has further developed the Liquid Glass design with a new slider on the lock screen, allowing control over the transparency of the clock and visual elements. Users can make the interface semi-transparent or more opaque with a frosted glass effect, while still having a Solid option to disable the effect entirely.
The Tinted option, which reduces transparency, cannot be combined with accessibility settings for reducing transparency and increasing contrast, as enabling it automatically disables those settings, minimizing visual conflicts compared to previous versions.
Audible Alerts in the Reminders App
The Reminders app now offers one of the most practical additions in this update: audible alerts for reminders via the Urgent option. When activated, users can snooze or dismiss reminders by swiping, while snoozing displays a Live Activity on the lock screen with a countdown and options to complete or reschedule the reminder.
Alerts are marked with a new blue color, and a brief introduction appears after the update, along with a small notification bar when creating the first reminder, making the feature intuitive from the start.
Apple Podcasts Gets Smarter
Apple continues to expand AI integration within the system through a major update to the Podcasts app. The update introduces automatic chapter creation, highlights people and topics mentioned in episodes, and provides direct links to referenced websites and sources from the episode page.
These improvements enhance podcast consumption, allowing listeners to navigate episodes and access sections of interest without relying on manual segmentation by creators.
Apple Music Enhancements
Apple Music now supports offline lyrics display for pre-downloaded songs and automatically features a Favorite Songs list under the Top Picks section on the home page, improving the offline listening experience and quick access to preferred content.
New Features to Improve Sleep Quality
With watchOS 26.2, Apple has recalibrated Sleep Score ranges to more accurately reflect how users feel after sleeping. Scores, based on sleep duration, bedtime, and number of awakenings, are out of 100 and viewable via the Health app on iPhone. This feature is available for all compatible Apple Watch models.
A new option in the Passwords settings allows managing websites where passwords are not saved, giving users clearer insight into how the system handles login data.
The Freeform app now supports smart grids containing text, images, documents, and drawings, with automatic cell resizing, enhancing its use as a visual and collaborative planning tool.
Updates to Apple News, Home, and Alerts
Apple News received a refreshed design with quick-access buttons for sections like Sports, Politics, Business, and Food, alongside a dedicated tab for followed content. In the Home app, multiple accessories sold as a bundle can now be paired using a single setup code.
The Flash for Alerts feature allows the iPhone screen to flash for notifications in addition to the rear LED, with both options usable simultaneously. Apple also introduced Enhanced Safety Alerts for managing earthquake and imminent threat notifications, currently available in the U.S., complete with maps and guidance.
Additional Improvements and Enhanced Security
Other apps received notable upgrades: Measure now features a Liquid Glass design, Games allows sorting by size with instant challenge updates and better controller support, and CarPlay offers faster animations and more flexible message management options.
iOS 26.2 addresses several critical security vulnerabilities, including WebKit flaws. Apple noted that some of these vulnerabilities may have been exploited in complex attacks targeting users on older versions, emphasizing the importance of installing the update to strengthen device security.
Updates Across the Apple Ecosystem
Updates are not limited to iPhone and iPad. macOS Tahoe 26.2 introduces Edge Light for Mac to improve lighting during video calls. watchOS 26.2 addresses issues in the Music app and adds new sleep controls. tvOS 26.2 allows profile creation for non-Apple account users and expands parental control options. visionOS 26.2 enhances Travel Mode and enables the use of spatial accessories for drawing and note-taking across multiple apps.
