Apple released iOS 26.2 on December 12, delivering security patches and interface refinements rather than major new features. The update fixes 26 vulnerabilities, including two WebKit flaws reportedly exploited in targeted attacks against older iOS versions.
iPhone 11 and newer models can install the update through Settings > General > Software Update. Apple recommends immediate installation due to the security patches, which address issues across Messages, FaceTime, Safari, and system components.
The update continues Apple's Liquid Glass design refinements with a new transparency slider for the Lock Screen clock. Users can now adjust opacity levels to improve readability, addressing complaints about the original design's visibility in certain lighting conditions. The Measure and Level apps also receive Liquid Glass visual updates.
AirDrop gains one-time access codes that work for 30 days with non-contacts. Users can share secure codes through Settings > General > AirDrop > Manage Known AirDrop Contacts, eliminating the need to add temporary contacts for file sharing.
Reminders now supports alarm-style alerts that bypass Focus modes. When users mark reminders as "Urgent," they trigger full-screen alarms with audible alerts similar to Clock app alarms, providing more noticeable notifications for time-sensitive tasks.
Apple Podcasts automatically generates chapters based on transcript content and detects mentions of other podcasts within episodes. The app provides direct links to mentioned content, improving navigation for longer episodes.
Sleep Score calculations receive updated categories in the Health app. The feature, which analyzes sleep duration, bedtime consistency, and interruptions, now uses revised scoring ranges: Very Low (0-40), Low (41-60), OK (61-80), High (81-95), and Very High (96-100).
Japanese users gain access to third-party app marketplaces and can assign third-party voice assistants to the Side button. The changes comply with Japan's Mobile Software Competition Act Guidelines, similar to EU regulations that brought alternative app stores earlier.
European Union users now have access to AirPods Live Translation, previously limited to select regions. The feature works with AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4, supporting nine languages including English, French, German, and Spanish.
Apple News adds quick-access buttons for Sports, Puzzles, Politics, and Food sections. The Games app displays live events, friend activity, and past downloads, while Freeform gains table creation tools for organizing notes and brainstorming sessions.
Security improvements include patches for CVE-2025-46276 (iMessage information disclosure), CVE-2025-43542 (FaceTime password field exposure), and CVE-2025-43428 (Hidden Photos Album access). The update also fixes memory corruption issues in AppleJPEG, Foundation, and Multi-Touch components.
Other changes include offline lyrics support in Apple Music, flash notifications for alerts in Accessibility settings, and enhanced safety alert delivery using approximate location data. CarPlay gains separate pinned message controls independent of iPhone settings.
The update represents Apple's iterative approach to iOS 26 refinement rather than introducing major new functionality. Most changes address user feedback collected since iOS 26's September release, focusing on security, usability, and regional compliance requirements. Apple is already testing background security updates in the latest iOS 26.3 beta.
