iOS 26.2 Beta 3: All New Features Revealed
▼ Summary
– iOS 26.2 beta 3 introduces AirDrop codes, allowing temporary AirDrop between unsaved contacts for 30 days.
– The Measure app’s Level feature has been refined with a Liquid Glass design to improve number visibility.
– iPadOS 26.2 beta 3 enhances multitasking by enabling dragging app icons from the Dock into Slide Over or Split View.
– Leaked code suggests Apple may allow replacing Siri as the default voice assistant when holding the side button, initially in Japan.
– iOS 26.2 adds Edge Light for Mac, using the screen to create a virtual ring light for better video call lighting.
Apple has rolled out the third beta version of iOS 26.2, introducing a host of refinements and new capabilities for iPhone users. This pre-release software brings meaningful updates across system apps, multitasking, and accessibility, signaling Apple’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the user experience ahead of the official launch.
A notable addition is the early implementation of AirDrop codes, which will eventually let users share files with non-contacts for up to 30 days. While still under development, the groundwork for this feature is now visible in the Settings menu.
The Measure app receives further polish with its Liquid Glass-inspired Level tool. Adjustments in this beta prevent the interface from blocking numerical readouts in specific scenarios, improving both accuracy and visibility.
iPad multitasking sees a welcome upgrade with the return of an improved Split View and Slide Over. Now, dragging an app directly from the Dock lets you instantly activate either view, streamlining workflow on compatible iPad models.
Code discovered within the beta also points to a forthcoming option in Japan to replace Siri as the default voice assistant when holding the side button. This appears to be a compliance measure rather than a global feature.
Beyond these highlights, several other tweaks and additions are present. The Games app now supports library sorting and filtering, real-time score tracking, and improved controller navigation. Users can disable pinned conversations in CarPlay, and general UI animations feel noticeably smoother.
On the Mac side, macOS 26 Tahoe debuts Edge Light, a clever feature that turns the display into a virtual ring light to brighten your face during video calls.
Sleep tracking is being refined, with Apple replacing the “Excellent” sleep rating with “Very High” and recalibrating all category thresholds. This change responds to user feedback about the previous scoring system being overly generous.
AI-driven enhancements are coming to Apple Podcasts, where the app will soon generate chapters automatically, link to related content, and compile show references. The News app also gets interface refinements, including quicker access to trending sections.
Looking ahead, AirPods Live Translation will launch across the European Union in December, aligning with the expected public release of iOS 26.2. Lock Screen customization expands with a new Liquid Glass slider that adjusts clock transparency for every font style.
Finally, the Reminders app gains a powerful new tool: the ability to set an alarm for urgent tasks. These alarms override Focus modes and provide a more assertive alert than standard notifications.
(Source: 9to5Mac)
