iOS 26.2 beta 1 is here. The pre-release iPhone software update includes a surprising amount of changes and refinements. Here’s everything new:
Sleep Score changes
Apple is changing how Sleep Score works for sleep tracking. Very High replaces Excellent as the highest category, and the thresholds for each category have changed as well. This follows user feedback that criticized Sleep Score range for being too broad, and Excellent being too positive.
Read more about the change here.
Apple Podcasts app enhancements
Apple is using AI to improve the Apple Podcasts app experience. Starting with iOS 26.2, the app can use AI to automatically generate chapters, link to referenced podcasts, and collect show links.
Read more about the updates here.
Apple News design
iOS 26 itself is a major redesign. With iOS 26.2, Apple is further refining the News app experience with quick links to popular sections within the app.
Read more about the design change here.
AirPods Live Translation in EU
Apple says that AirPods Live Translation will be supported in European Union countries starting in December. That’s presumably when iOS 26.2 will be released and out of beta.
Read more about the rollout plans here.
Liquid Glass Lock Screen slider
Apple has added a much more dramatic Liquid Glass slider that adjusts the level of translucency on the Lock Screen clock. It now works for each font option.
Read more about the Lock Screen customization option here.
Reminders adds alarms and timers
iOS 26.2 introduces the ability to trigger an alarm when an urgent reminder is due. This provides a much higher level of notification than repeating alerts or Time Sensitive alerts that persist. Alarms and timers can also break through Focus modes.
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