Release Timeline
iOS 26.2 is currently available in beta and is expected to be widely released in mid-December 2025. Apple users can look forward to a smoother, more customizable experience with these new features and improvements.
Reminders App: New Urgent Task Priority
One of the most anticipated features in iOS 26.2 is the addition of an Urgent option in the Reminders app. This new setting allows users to mark tasks as urgent, triggering a timely alert whenever the task is due. This enhancement makes it easier for users to stay on top of important deadlines and ensures they don’t forget critical reminders.
Apple Music: Offline Lyrics with Translation
Apple Music has received a significant upgrade. Users can now enjoy offline access to song lyrics, even when they don’t have an internet connection. This feature includes synced lyrics that are translated and aligned with the music’s beat, offering an immersive experience even in areas with limited or no network access.
Whether you’re on a long flight or in a remote location, you can still enjoy your music with lyrics at your fingertips.
Apple Podcasts: AI-Generated Chapters and Mentions
AI-Generated Chapters
Podcasts in iOS 26.2 will be enhanced with AI-generated chapters, which automatically break down episodes into sections. This feature will be particularly helpful when podcast creators don’t provide their own chapters. Users can now navigate through episodes more easily, jumping to specific topics without manually scrubbing through hours of content.
Podcast Mentions Feature
A Podcast Mentions feature has been introduced, allowing listeners to easily follow shows that are mentioned within an episode. If a host references another podcast or guest, users can follow those mentions directly from the episode player or transcript.
watchOS 26.2: Stricter Sleep Score Calibration
Apple is recalibrating the Sleep Score feature in watchOS 26.2, which is paired with iOS 26.2. After receiving feedback from users who felt that the sleep grading was too lenient, Apple has tightened the scale.
What’s Changed
Users may find that their previous scores are now lower than before, with the ‘Very High’ category now requiring a score between 96 and 100. This change aims to provide a more accurate reflection of sleep quality based on stricter criteria.
Apple News: Redesigned Navigation
Apple News has received a user-friendly redesign, focusing on simplifying navigation:
- New Following Tab: Helps users keep track of their favourite sources, saved stories, and reading history all in one place
- Quick-Access Buttons: Topics like Sports, Politics, Puzzles, and Food now have dedicated buttons for direct navigation
- Streamlined Search Tab: Improved content discovery makes it simpler to find relevant articles
EU-Specific Features and Changes
Users in the European Union will notice a few region-specific updates in iOS 26.2:
Live Translation via AirPods
The highly anticipated Live Translation feature via AirPods is finally rolling out, which was previously delayed due to EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations.
Wi-Fi Syncing Removal
Due to new interoperability rules, Wi-Fi syncing between iPhone and Apple Watch will no longer be available. Users will now need to manually enter Wi-Fi network credentials on both devices.
Customization and Safety Features
Liquid Glass Lock Screen
The Liquid Glass lock screen effect now includes a transparency slider that adjusts the clock’s transparency, offering more flexibility than the previous Clear or Tinted modes.
Enhanced Safety Alerts
A new Enhanced Safety Alerts menu has been introduced, which allows users to control settings for:
- Earthquake warnings
- Threat alerts
- Location sharing for more accurate safety notifications
This ensures that important alerts are not only timely but also tailored to each user’s specific location and preferences.
Additional Features and Enhancements
iOS 26.2 also comes with a host of smaller yet useful updates:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Table Support in Freeform | Adds more versatility to the Freeform app, making it easier to organise data |
| Website Exclusions in Passwords | Gives users more control over which sites are stored and excluded from password vault |
| Flash to Alerts Accessibility | Helps users with visual impairments by providing flash notifications for alerts |
Summary of Key Features
iOS 26.2 is shaping up to be a major update, with enhancements to key apps like Apple Music, Podcasts, and News, as well as new features for Apple Watch users and region-specific upgrades for the European Union.
Main Highlights:
- Urgent task priority in Reminders app
- Offline song lyrics with translation in Apple Music
- AI-generated podcast chapters and mentions tracking
- Stricter Sleep Score calibration (Very High now 96-100)
- Redesigned Apple News navigation
- EU-specific Live Translation via AirPods
- Enhanced safety alerts customization
- Liquid Glass transparency slider
With tighter sleep score calibration, smarter reminders, and offline music lyrics, the update promises to offer both practical and user-friendly improvements.
Follow us on Bluesky , LinkedIn , and X to Get Instant Updates
