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iOS 26.2 beta: The biggest new features

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For your information, Apple now has a new iOS beta available.

Notably, the beta of iOS 26.2 is now available for iPhone users. As for the second update to iOS 26, it doesn’t look like it will be particularly transformative or revolutionary. But, the good folks over at places like 9to5Mac have dug into iOS 26.2 and are back with information about the biggest new features you can expect when the update arrives in the near future.

See also:

iOS 26.2, macOS 26.2, and iPadOS 26.2 betas are here: How to download

iOS 26.2 beta: The biggest new features

Here’s what you can expect from iOS 26.2.

Changes to Apple Podcasts

As I said, iOS 26.2 isn’t a huge update. Many of the changes, starting with Apple Podcasts, are minor updates to apps and other things.

Notably, podcasts will now have AI-generated chapters with timestamps. Podcast creators are free to create their own chapters that will override the AI-generated chapters, but if they don’t feel like doing so, at least you’ll have Some? Use this as a guide to avoid spoiler-filled discussions about a movie you haven’t seen yet. There’s also a new “Podcast Mentions” feature that will link to other podcasts you’re listening to that are mentioned.

mashable light speed

sleep score adjustment

Interestingly, Apple decided to refine the Apple Watch Sleep Score system. Here are the new score classifications with the previous ones in parentheses:

  • Very low: 0-40 (earlier was 0-29)

  • Low: 41-60 (previously 30-49)

  • OK: 61-80 (previously was 50-69)

  • High: 81-95 (previously was 70-89)

  • Excellent: 96-100 (earlier was 90-100)

In other words, it’s a little less forgiving than before.

Apple News redesigned

Apple has also made some UI changes to the Apple News app. For example, the “Today” screen now has easy-access buttons for Food, Puzzles, Politics, and Sports, so you don’t have to find them yourself. There’s also a new “Following” tab that will bring up stories you’ve saved and things you’ve favorited.

Liquid Glass Lock Screen Customization

Finally, Apple continues its quest to make people like liquid glass more.

After introducing the ability to tint the Liquid Glass UI in iOS 26.1, the new iOS 26.2 beta gives you even more control over it. There’s now a slider that lets you adjust the opacity of the clock on your lock screen. This isn’t a huge change, but it should be welcomed for those who don’t really like liquid glass.



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