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iOS 26.2 added eight notable changes across Reminders, Apple Music, Podcasts, Games, the Lock Screen, AirDrop, and Apple News. This is an editorial selection, not Apple’s official count of everything in the update. Apple has since released newer iOS updates, so iOS 26.2 is not the latest version.
What’s new in iOS 26.2?
Apple’s iOS 26.2 update, released in December 2025, brought a mix of quality-of-life improvements, entertainment features, and changes to system apps. The eight highlights below are grouped by what you use your iPhone for. Apple notes that feature availability can vary by region and device.
Productivity: make urgent Reminders harder to miss
Urgent Reminders can sound an alarm
For an urgent task, Reminders can now use an alarm, with snooze and Live Activity support. That gives a time-sensitive reminder more prominence than a standard task notification. See Apple’s iOS 26 update notes for feature details.
Entertainment: music and podcasts get useful upgrades
Apple Music shows lyrics offline
Lyrics are available without an internet connection for songs downloaded to your device. Apple Music also surfaces the Favorite Songs playlist in Top Picks.
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#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Podcasts adds automatically generated chapters
Chapters make it easier to move between parts of an episode. The Podcasts feature guide notes that creator-supplied chapters take precedence over automatically generated ones.
Podcast Mentions connect listeners to other shows
When an episode mentions another podcast, listeners can see and follow that show from the player or transcript.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
Gaming: find games and track challenges
Filter the Apple Games library
Library filters help you find games by category, size, and other criteria.
See when another player takes the lead
In-game challenge banners can notify you when another player moves ahead on a score challenge. iOS 26.2 also improved support for connected controllers, with Backbone and Razer named by Apple as examples. A controller is optional; it is relevant only if you play with one.
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Customization: adjust the Lock Screen clock
Change the Liquid Glass opacity
iOS 26.2 adds more control over the opacity of the Liquid Glass material used by the Lock Screen clock. You can make the material more or less opaque to suit your preferred look.
Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Sharing: add a verification step to AirDrop
Use a code with someone outside your contacts
For an AirDrop transfer with an unknown contact, the receiver can provide a code that the sender must enter to complete the transfer. This adds a verification step to the exchange.
News: reach sections from the Today feed
Use the new section links
Apple News adds section links at the top of the Today feed, including examples such as Sports, Politics, Business, and Food. The update guide also describes a Following tab and revised search navigation.
Rank #4
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Other iOS 26.2 changes
Beyond these eight highlights, Apple’s notes include U.S.-available Enhanced Safety Alerts, pairing multiple accessories in Home, a screen-flash option for notifications, tables in Freeform, and further connected-controller support improvements. Enhanced Safety Alerts are specifically marked as available in the U.S.; do not assume they are available everywhere.
Which iPhones can install iOS 26.2?
Apple’s security-content page lists iPhone 11 and later for the iOS 26.2 security release. That device range does not mean every feature is available on every supported iPhone or in every region; Apple’s update notes flag those variations. Check the current notes for iOS feature availability and the iOS 26.2 security release.
Best Value
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
How to check for an iOS update
-
Open Settings on your iPhone.
-
Tap General, then Software Update.
-
Review the version offered for your device and follow the on-screen instructions if you choose to install it. Since newer iOS releases have followed 26.2, your iPhone may offer a later version instead.
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