Apple has recently rolled out the third developer beta for iOS 26.2, surprising users with a range of new features and improvements. Despite the significant visual changes introduced in iOS 26, Apple continues to enhance the user experience with updates to AirDrop, Reminders, Games, and the iPad multitasking system. Each beta release unveils new features and refines the redesign, ensuring a smoother overall experience for users.
One notable addition is the introduction of AirDrop codes, allowing users to generate one-time codes for file sharing with individuals outside their contact list for up to 30 days. Additionally, a new “Manage Known AirDrop Contacts” section in Settings enables users to easily remove shared access, providing a convenient solution for frequent file exchanges.
The update also extends Apple’s health ecosystem by allowing third-party apps to access Hypertension Notifications from Apple Watch. This new API integration opens up possibilities for developers to create more advanced health monitoring tools based on user data shared through the Health app.
Furthermore, users will notice a refreshed privacy prompt related to Apple Accounts after installing Beta 3. This update aims to enhance user awareness of how Apple manages and utilizes data associated with Apple Accounts.
In a region-specific update, users in Japan may soon have the option to choose alternative voice assistants for the Side Button’s press-and-hold gesture. While Siri is currently the default option globally, regulatory requirements in Japan are prompting Apple to consider alternatives like Gemini or Alexa for Japanese Apple Account holders.
The Liquid Glass interface has been improved for better user experience. The “Tinted” mode now automatically disables conflicting accessibility settings, making it easier to toggle features. Additionally, the Liquid Glass-styled Level in the Measure app has been refined for improved visibility of numbers.
The Games app in iOS 26.2 Beta 3 introduces sorting and filtering tools for the games library, smoother controller navigation, and real-time challenge score updates during gameplay. These enhancements transform the Games app into a structured gaming hub rather than a basic collection folder.
In the Reminders app, users can now mark tasks as “urgent” to trigger alarms, ensuring timely notifications that can bypass Focus modes. Similarly, on the iPad side, the multitasking capabilities have been restored, allowing users to drag apps directly into Split View or Slide Over from the Dock, App Library, or Spotlight.
Under-the-hood changes include fine-tuning Sleep Score categories, AI-generated chapters in Apple Podcasts, the ability to disable pinned conversations in Messages on CarPlay, quicker access to major sections in Apple News, and the expansion of AirPods Live Translation to EU countries in December. Additionally, the Lock Screen features a more pronounced Liquid Glass slider for adjusting clock transparency.
Overall, the latest iOS update brings a host of new features and improvements that enhance user experience and functionality across various Apple devices.