Apple’s iOS 26.2 beta introduces key upgrades to apps like Reminders, Music, Podcasts and News, including smarter reminders, offline lyrics, AI-generated podcast chapters and a stricter sleep score. EU users get live translation via AirPods. The update is expected in December.
Apple has rolled out the first beta version of iOS 26.2, bringing a variety of new features and improvements to several core apps, including Reminders, Music, Podcasts, News, and more. Along with notable changes to the iPhone and iPad experience, the update also introduces improvements for Apple Watch users and addresses region-specific features, particularly for the European Union.
Here’s a detailed look at some of the most notable updates coming in iOS 26.2.
Smarter reminders and offline lyrics in Apple Music
One of the most anticipated features of iOS 26.2 is the addition of an Urgent option in the Reminders app. This new setting allows users to mark tasks as urgent, triggering a timely alert whenever the task is due. This improvement makes it easier for users to stay informed of important deadlines and ensures they don’t forget critical reminders.
Apple Music also received a significant upgrade. Users can now enjoy offline access to song lyrics even when they don’t have an Internet connection. This feature includes synchronized lyrics that are translated and aligned with the beat of the music, providing an immersive experience even in areas with limited or no network access. Whether you’re on a long flight or in a remote location, you can still enjoy your music with the lyrics at your fingertips.
Apple Podcasts gets smarter with AI-generated chapters
Podcasts in iOS 26.2 will be enhanced with AI-generated chapters, which automatically divide episodes into sections. This feature will be especially useful when podcast creators don’t offer their own chapters. Users can now navigate episodes more easily, navigating to specific topics without manually going through hours of content.
Additionally, a Podcast Mentions feature was introduced, allowing listeners to easily follow shows mentioned in an episode. If a host references another podcast or guest, users can track those mentions directly from the episode player or transcript.
Sleep score calibration becomes stricter in watchOS 26.2
Apple is recalibrating the Sleep Score feature in watchOS 26.2, which is bundled with iOS 26.2. After receiving feedback from users who felt the sleep rating was too lenient, Apple tightened the scale. As a result, users may find that their previous scores are now lower than before, with the ‘Very High’ category now requiring a score between 96 and 100. This change aims to provide a more accurate reflection of sleep quality based on stricter criteria.
Apple News redesigns navigation for easier use
Apple News has received a user-friendly redesign, focused on making navigation simpler. A new Tracking tab has been added to help users track their favorite sources, saved stories, and reading history all in one place. Additionally, a set of quick access buttons for topics like sports, politics, puzzles, and food make it easy to jump directly to these categories. Meanwhile, the Search tab has been streamlined to improve content discovery and make it easier to find relevant articles.
EU-specific features and modifications
Users in the European Union will notice a few region-specific updates in iOS 26.2. The much-anticipated live translation feature via AirPods is finally rolling out, which had been delayed due to European Digital Markets Regulations (DMA). However, there is one important change regarding Wi-Fi syncing between iPhone and Apple Watch. Due to new interoperability rules, Wi-Fi syncing will no longer be available and users will now have to manually enter Wi-Fi network credentials on both devices.
Customization and new security alert features
For users who like to personalize their devices, iOS 26.2 brings new options. The Liquid Glass lock screen effect now includes a transparency slider that adjusts the transparency of the clock, providing more flexibility than the previous Clear or Tinted modes.
A new enhanced security alerts menu has been introduced, which allows users to control settings for earthquake warnings, threat alerts and location sharing for more accurate security notifications. This ensures that important alerts are not only timely, but also tailored to each user’s specific location and preferences.
Additional features and improvements
iOS 26.2 also comes with a host of smaller but useful updates, including:
Support for tables in Freeform: This adds more versatility to the Freeform application, making it easier to organize data.
New exclusions for websites in the Passwords app: This gives users more control over which sites are stored and which are excluded from their password vault.
Flash to Alerts accessibility feature: This helps visually impaired users by making alerts more visible.
When can you expect iOS 26.2?
iOS 26.2 is currently available in beta and is expected to be widely released in mid-December. Apple users can expect a smoother and more customizable experience with these new features and improvements.
iOS 26.2 is shaping up to be a major update, with improvements to key apps like Apple Music, Podcasts, and News, as well as new features for Apple Watch users and region-specific upgrades for the European Union. With more precise sleep score calibration, smarter reminders, and offline music lyrics, the update promises to deliver improvements that are both practical and user-friendly. Stay tuned for the full rollout in December.
