Overview
- Apple has released three iOS 26.2 betas and is expected to issue either beta 4 or a release candidate soon, with a public release widely forecast for mid-December.
- On devices still running iOS 18, iOS 26.1 now appears as the recommended update in Settings, with iOS 18 security builds moved to an alternate option.
- Upgrading from iOS 18 to iOS 26 cannot be reversed on supported devices, according to Apple’s stated policy reported by multiple outlets.
- iOS 26.2 is slated to add an AirDrop one-time code/PIN for sharing with non‑contacts, a Lock Screen Liquid Glass transparency slider, offline Apple Music lyrics, reminder alarms with snooze, Freeform tables, and revised Sleep Score ranges, with some region‑specific changes.
- Companion releases for iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS 26.2 are expected to arrive alongside iOS 26.2 based on Apple’s December guidance and past release patterns.