Overview
- Apple made public beta 1 of iOS 26.2 available alongside iPadOS, watchOS and tvOS 26.2, opening the builds to anyone enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program.
- iOS 26.2 adds a Lock Screen Liquid Glass opacity slider, urgent Reminders that trigger alarms or timers, AI‑generated Podcasts chapters with mentions and links, and a refreshed Apple News layout with quick‑access categories.
- Sleep tracking now uses tighter score ranges with “Very High” replacing “Excellent,” and testers also note options like a screen flash for alerts and improved Passwords controls.
- AirPods Live Translation is expanding to the European Union in this cycle with support for multiple languages on compatible AirPods models.
- Separately, Apple is urging installation of iOS/iPadOS 26.1 for dozens of critical security fixes and Background Security Improvements, and has issued iOS/iPadOS 18.7.2 to deliver similar patches for devices staying on iOS 18.