iOS 26.2 features: what’s in Apple’s latest essential iPhone software update
iOS 26.2 is now out and the new version of the OS has a bunch of new capabilities, including alarms for reminders, an updated sleep score and numerous interface tweaks
iOS 26.2 is now out and the new version of the iPhone OS has a bunch of new capabilities, including alarms for reminders, an updated sleep score and numerous interface tweaks.
The much-maligned Liquid Glass interface has had a couple of tweaks, namely that there is now a slider when you are customising the lock screen that enables you to reduce the transparency of the elements and particularly the large clock. A toggle to lessen the effect of Liquid Glass across the entire system was introduced in iOS 26.1 – check out how to use that here. That toggle is also replicated on the iPad and Mac. Both those platforms are also now on their 26.2 software versions now as well.
A couple of other features I’m a fan of have also been introduced. In Apple Music, lyrics are now available offline, so if you download the song they’ll be available. On Podcasts you can now share timed links, so you can link people straight into the item you’re talking about rather than just sharing the episode. In Apple News there’s also a new Following tab. Why don’t you follow Stuff on Apple News while you’re at it?
The updated Sleep Score has also been interesting for me. I’ve certainly felt like I’m being informed more about how I’m sleeping, but it also seems to inform me that I’ve had bad sleep if I wake up in the night… when I’m probably going to go back to sleep. I’ll see how that shakes out over the coming months.,
Naturally, there are general performance tweaks and menu improvements and Apple says that animations have been made faster.
We’ve got a full list of the new features below. As with iOS 26 itself, the update is compatible with all iPhones since the iPhone 11, but you can check out a full compatibility list here.
| iOS 26.2 feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Liquid Glass Lock Screen Slider | New control to adjust the transparency of the Lock Screen clock and visual effects. |
| Alarms for Reminders | Reminders can now trigger full alarms with snooze and Live Activity support. |
| AirDrop Verification Codes | Share files with non-contacts using temporary verification codes. |
| Offline Lyrics in Apple Music | View lyrics for downloaded songs without an internet connection. |
| Apple Music Favorite Songs Shortcut | Quick access to favourite tracks in Top Picks. |
| Apple Podcasts Enhancements | Automatic chapter generation, timed links, and improved mentions. |
| Freeform Tables Support | Create structured tables inside Freeform boards. |
| Apple News Redesign | New Following tab and faster access to key sections. |
| Home App Multipack Setup | Pair multiple smart-home accessories using a single setup code. |
| Flash for Alerts (Accessibility) | Screen flash option for notifications and alerts. |
| Enhanced Safety Alerts | More detailed emergency alerts with maps and guidance (region-dependent). |
| Passwords App – Excluded Sites | Manage websites where passwords should not be saved. |
| Sleep Score Adjustments | Updated Sleep Score ranges for clearer health insights. |
| CarPlay Updates | Option to disable pinned conversations and minor UI refinements. |
| Games App Improvements | New filters, better controller support, and challenge banners. |
| Menu and UI Animation Tweaks | Faster, smoother system animations across iOS. |
| Measure App Refresh | Updated Liquid Glass styling for the Level tool. |
Dan Grabham
Editor-in-Chief 
