Overview
- Apple’s documentation says iPhone users in Japan will be able to assign a third-party voice app to the Side Button, replacing Siri for that gesture.
- To qualify, developers must adopt App Intents and add the com.apple.developer.side-button-access.allow entitlement, with apps starting an audio session immediately on launch.
- Use of the feature requires an Apple Account set to Japan and the user’s physical presence in Japan, with other regions not supported at launch.
- iOS 26.2 beta 3 includes references such as “SystemVoiceAssistant” and “Side Button App,” signaling system-level plumbing and hinting at deeper interface integration under development.
- Apple has slated iOS 26.2 for a December release, and reporting suggests EU availability could follow under DMA rules, though expansion beyond Japan remains unconfirmed.