iOS 26.2 Update Released: 7 Powerful Features Every iPhone User Must Know

Before the end of 2025, Apple surprised millions of iPhone users this week with a major update. The company has begun to send out the iOS 26.2 update. At first, people thought iOS 26.2 was just a small update, but it actually adds a lot of useful new features and makes security much better.

This update includes new controls related to Liquid Glass, changes to the Podcasts app, offline lyrics in Apple Music, improvements to Sleep Score, alarms for Reminders, and enhanced safety alerts, among other features.

Let's understand in simple terms what's new in iOS 26.2 and why you should update.

How do you get iOS 26.2?

If your iPhone supports iOS 26, you can download the iOS 26.2 update.

How to update:

• Open Settings
• Go to General
• Tap on Software Update
• Select iOS 26.2

This update is available for iPhone 11 and all subsequent models. This means that the iPhone XR and iPhone XS are no longer supported, while all iPhones with the A13 Bionic or newer processors, including the iPhone 17 series, are included.

New Customization Options in the Lock Screen

Apple introduced Liquid Glass to give the iPhone interface a futuristic look, but user opinions have been divided. Many users didn't like its high transparency.

Taking user feedback into account, Apple had already provided an option to reduce transparency. Now, iOS 26.2 adds a new slider for the lock screen, allowing you to adjust the transparency of Liquid Glass to your liking.

You can now decide how transparent or solid the lock screen clock appears. While Liquid Glass isn't going away, Apple is now giving users the freedom to "tone it down" a bit. Apple Music Now Supports Offline Lyrics

Until now, an internet connection was required to view lyrics in Apple Music. But that has changed with iOS 26.2.

Now, if you've downloaded a song, you can view its lyrics even without an internet connection. This feature will be especially useful while traveling or in situations with no network coverage.

Podcasts App Gets Smarter

• This update is a treat for podcast listeners. iOS 26.2 brings three major new features to the Podcasts app:
• Automatic Chapters – allowing easy navigation to different sections of an episode
• Transcripts and mentions of other podcasts will appear in the player
• Links mentioned in episodes will be directly accessible within the app
• Chapter breaks will now appear as small markers in the player, and if an episode mentions another podcast, you can follow it directly from there.

New Alarm Feature in Reminders App

• The Reminders app has become even more useful after the iOS 26.2 update. Now you can set an alarm directly for a reminder.
• When you create a reminder and mark it as Urgent, the app will give you the option to set an alarm or timer for that reminder.

Changes to Sleep Score

With iOS 26.2 and watchOS 26.2, Apple has updated the Sleep Score system in the Health app.

Sleep quality is now displayed in these categories:

• Very Low
• Low
• OK
• High
• Very High (previously Excellent)

The Sleep Score is based on a total of 100 points:

• Sleep Duration – 50 points
• Regularity of Sleep Time – 30 points
• Sleep Interruptions – 20 points

To achieve a perfect score, at least 8 hours of sleep, a regular bedtime, and minimal nighttime awakenings are necessary.

Improved Safety and Alert Features

In iOS 26.2, Apple has also strengthened safety alerts. These now include alerts related to earthquakes and other hazards. To view these alerts:

• Go to Settings > Notifications > Enhanced
• A crucial update for 1 billion iPhone users
• iOS 26.2 is not only important for its features but also for its security. This update fixes three critical vulnerabilities:
• Two WebKit vulnerabilities that could allow phones to be hacked through malicious websitesA Kernel vulnerability that could allow an app to take complete control of the iPhone

This update comes at a time when Apple sent out warnings to users in over 80 countries about potential cyberattacks. This spyware is made to spy on politicians and journalists. Once it's on a phone, it can see what's going on in encrypted apps like WhatsApp.

Other minor but useful changes

• The Games app now allows filtering games by size
• In-game challenge scores will now be displayed in real-time
• AirDrop security has been further strengthened
• When sending files to an unknown contact, a code will now appear on the recipient's phone
• The sender will need to enter that code to complete the transfer

iOS 26.2 is not just a normal update; it's a crucial update in terms of both features and security. If you haven't updated yet, it's highly recommended that you update your iPhone to iOS 26.2 as soon as possible.

Q1. What is new in the iOS 26.2 update?

This new Apple update brings lock screen customization, offline lyrics in Apple Music, Podcasts upgrades, Sleep Score changes, and major security fixes.

Q2. Which iPhones support iOS 26.2?

iOS 26.2 is available for iPhone 11 and newer models. iPhone XR and XS are not supported.

Q3. Is iOS 26.2 a security update?

Yes, it fixes critical WebKit and Kernel vulnerabilities that could allow hacking or unauthorized access.

Q4. Can I view Apple Music lyrics offline in iOS 26.2?

Yes, lyrics can now be viewed offline for downloaded songs.

Q5. Should I update my iPhone to iOS 26.2?

Yes, Apple strongly recommends updating due to new features and important security patches.