Apple has rolled out an exciting update with the public release of iOS 26.1 on Monday, November 3, allowing iPhones to adjust some Liquid Glass elements. Now, with the introduction of the first iOS 26.2 beta, even more customization options are on the horizon.
For developers and public beta testers, these changes and updates can be tested as early as today. Keep in mind that since this is a beta version, it’s wise to install it on a secondary device to avoid any buggy behavior and battery drain issues typical of pre-release software.
While a specific release date for the public version of iOS 26.2 hasn’t been announced, we can look to past patterns: iOS 18.2 and iOS 17.2 were both launched in December, suggesting that the next version might arrive next month.
Here’s a deep dive into the new features developers and testers can explore, along with what could be available once iOS 26.2 officially launches.
Liquid Glass Slider on the Lock Screen
The iOS 26.2 beta introduces a new slider for the Lock Screen clock, enabling you to adjust the frosted effect of Liquid Glass. Moving the slider left increases translucence, while sliding it right creates a more opaque appearance.
The Liquid Glass design stirred mixed reactions among users since its debut in June. Some express concerns about readability on forums like Reddit, while others appreciate its modern and whimsical touch. Regardless of individual opinions, Liquid Glass appears to be a permanent fixture in Apple’s aesthetic.
iOS 26.1 already allowed for darkening certain menus, and with iOS 26.2, Apple seems set to further enhance customization options, likely continuing this trend in future updates.
Offline Lyrics in Apple Music
Another noteworthy enhancement comes to Apple Music with the iOS 26.2 beta, as offline lyrics become a reality. Users can now access lyrics for downloaded songs even without an internet connection. However, album artwork may not load in offline mode.
Podcasts Changes
The Podcasts app sees significant improvements, particularly with the addition of Chapters. This feature makes navigating episodes simpler, with Chapter breaks clearly marked by small hash marks in the media player.
Moreover, users can now find links directly on the episode page and follow other podcasts mentioned during an episode right from the transcript.
News App Sections
The iOS 26.2 beta also refines the News app, introducing a menu at the top of the homepage categorized into sections like Sports and Politics. This long-awaited update streamlines navigation, allowing users to jump to specific topics without the previously tedious scrolling.
Reminders Can Set Alarms
Allegedly, users can now set alarms directly in the Reminders app with the iOS 26.2 beta. A new “Urgent” option prompts users to schedule an alarm or timer for their reminders. However, some testers, including this writer, might not see this feature due to potential bugs inherent in beta software.
New Enhanced Safety Alerts
In terms of safety, a new menu for enhanced alerts is available to beta users, featuring toggles for Earthquake Alerts and Imminent Threat Alerts. To access these, navigate to Settings > Notifications > Enhanced Safety Alerts.
These safety alerts allow your iPhone to receive critical notifications and share them anonymously with nearby Apple devices, enhancing community safety. An optional toggle for improved alert delivery shares approximate location data with Apple for better accuracy.
Health App Sleep Score Adjustments
According to reports, Sleep Scores in the Health app have been redefined in the iOS 26.2 beta, adjusting thresholds for categorizing sleep quality. Previously, the scoring was on a scale of Excellent to Very Low, and now ranges have been modified to provide a clearer distinction of sleep quality, based on duration, interruptions, and bedtime.
The new metrics create five distinct categories: Very Low (0-40), Low (41-60), OK (61-80), High (81-95), and Very High (96-100). These changes aim to give users a better understanding of their sleep quality and how it can impact overall health.
These additions represent just a glimpse of what developers and beta testers can expect from the first public beta of iOS 26.2. Apple is likely to introduce further beta updates leading up to the official release, providing ample opportunity to refine these features.
For additional insights on iOS updates, be sure to explore iOS 26.1 and check out the complete iOS 26 cheat sheet.
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