Overview
- Developers report that iOS 26.2 beta 1 on Japanese iPhones installs AltStore PAL and the Epic Games Store and can download apps from them.
- Apple is expected to release iOS 26.2 to the public in early to mid December, lining up with JFTC guidelines that take effect on December 18.
- Some features remain limited for now, with Fortnite in-app purchases currently region‑blocked by Epic Games.
- Japan would become the 29th country with access to third‑party iPhone app stores, following the EU’s rollout under the Digital Markets Act.
- The beta in Japan also presents a setup prompt to choose a default Safari search engine, reflecting new local requirements.