Apple iOS 26.2 Public Beta: What’s New and How to Get It
▼ Summary
– Apple has released the first iOS 26.2 public beta, introducing numerous new features ahead of its expected official launch in December.
– Sleep Score has been updated with “Very High” replacing “Excellent” as the top category and adjusted thresholds based on user feedback.
– The Apple Podcasts app now uses AI to automatically generate chapters, link to referenced podcasts, and collect show links.
– AirPods Live Translation will be supported in European Union countries starting in December, coinciding with the iOS 26.2 release.
– Reminders can now trigger alarms for urgent notifications, which can break through Focus modes, and the Lock Screen includes a Liquid Glass slider for clock translucency.
For those eager to explore the latest iPhone innovations ahead of their official debut, Apple has released the first public beta of iOS 26.2, offering a substantial collection of new features and refinements. This early access allows users to experience upcoming changes firsthand, providing a glimpse into the future of the mobile operating system.
Significant updates have been made to the Sleep Score feature within sleep tracking. The highest rating category has been renamed from “Excellent” to “Very High,” and Apple has adjusted the scoring thresholds for all categories. This revision directly responds to user feedback indicating that the previous scoring range was overly broad and that the “Excellent” designation was too liberally applied.
The Apple Podcasts app receives a boost from artificial intelligence. With the new update, AI will automatically generate chapters, connect listeners to referenced podcast episodes, and compile relevant show links, creating a more seamless and informative listening experience.
Apple continues to refine the visual identity of iOS 26 with further enhancements to the News app. The latest beta introduces quick-access links to popular sections, making it faster and more intuitive for users to navigate directly to the content that interests them most.
AirPods Live Translation functionality is expanding to countries within the European Union, with support scheduled to begin in December. This timing strongly suggests that the official, stable release of iOS 26.2 will coincide with this rollout, moving the software out of its beta phase.
Lock Screen customization receives a stylish upgrade with a more pronounced Liquid Glass slider. This control allows users to finely adjust the level of translucency for the clock display, and this functionality now extends to work with every available font option.
The Reminders app gains a powerful new capability with the introduction of alarms. Users can now set a reminder to trigger a distinct alarm sound when it becomes due, providing a more assertive notification than repeating or Time Sensitive alerts. These new alarms and timers are designed to override active Focus modes, ensuring critical reminders are never missed.
The official public launch for iOS 26.2 is anticipated for December. In the meantime, users can install the developer beta for the most immediate access to new features or opt for the generally more stable public beta for a safer testing environment.
(Source: 9to5 Mac)
