First Beta of iOS 26.2: New Features in Many Areas

Following Apple's long-awaited update to iOS 26.1, which has been publicly available since this week, testing of the next major update, iOS 26.2, has begun. This is expected in December – and Apple will integrate a whole host of new features. This is shown by the first developer beta released on Tuesday evening, which is likely to be followed in the coming days by a first public preview.

Sleep and Podcasts

Apple is introducing small and large changes in iOS 26.2 Beta 1. For example, Apple is expanding its new Sleep Score and distinguishing between different levels much more finely. For this to work, the beta of watchOS 26.2 is required, as the Apple Watch collects the data. The new values now range from "very low" to "low", "okay", "high" and "very high". Assignments have also been changed. Overall, the rating now appears more neutral. The score is calculated from factors such as sleep duration, interruptions, and consistency.

In the Podcasts app, which is part of iOS 26.2 Beta 1, you can now navigate chapters faster – these are automatically created if necessary. A new "Mentions" feature highlights other podcasts that appear in a show. Access to links embedded in an episode is also easier. Podcasters can now also link to other podcasts, Apple TV, and Apple News, in addition to Apple Music. The assignment is made precisely to the time in the transcript if desired.

Live Translations, Clock, and Freeform

There are visual changes to the lock screen: you can now manually adjust the "Liquid Glass level" of the clock display, instead of just distinguishing between "glass" and opaque. The Passwords app can specify websites where passwords should not be saved. iOS 26.2 also prepares the activation of AirPods live translation for the European Union, the Freeform app supports tables, and reminders can be linked to alarms.

Finally, Apple seems to be working on the AirDrop function – according to code in the operating system, it might soon be possible to send PINs securely and to allow AirDrop with selected people for a specific period. This then automatically ends.

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