Overview
- Apple has slated iOS 26.2 for a December release, with reports pointing to a mid-month launch and watchers looking for an imminent release candidate to lock in timing.
- A new AirDrop option lets users share with non-contacts using a one-time code or PIN, avoiding the need to open sharing to everyone.
- Other additions include offline Apple Music lyrics, a Lock Screen Liquid Glass transparency slider, alarms for urgent Reminders, Freeform tables, and Podcasts features like AI-generated chapters and Podcast Mentions.
- Companion updates for iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS are expected, with tvOS 26.2 removing the Apple Account requirement for extra profiles and enabling a default kid-safe view capped at PG content.
- Some Apple Intelligence capabilities are reported to require newer hardware such as iPhone 15 Pro or later, with region-specific changes like AirPods Live Translation in the EU and an option in Japan to map the side button to non-Siri assistants.