Apple releases 26.2 updates
Today, Apple released a big 26.2 update across all system software. In addition to bug fixes, security fixes, performance improvements, and further tweaks to Liquid Glass, Apple has also thrown in a few additional features. These features are generally applied across all applicable software.
Because of a long list of over 20 security fixes, I am now recommending that everyone install the 26.2 software right away if they can.
Apple’s release notes for iOS
Apple Music
Favorite Songs playlist appears in Top Picks on the home tab
Offline lyrics for downloaded songs so you can view them without an internet connection
Podcasts
Automatically generated chapters make it easier to navigate episodes
Links to mentioned podcasts let you see and follow other podcasts mentioned in the episode you’re listening to directly from the player and transcript
Games
Filters in the Games library let you find games by category, size, and more
In-game challenge score banners provide real-time updates when someone new has taken the lead
Improved support for connected controllers such as Backbone and Razer
This update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
Additional Lock Screen time customization option lets you further adjust its appearance, giving the Liquid Glass material more or less opacity
Enhanced Safety Alerts can inform you about imminent threats such as floods, natural disasters, and other emergencies, with rich information like a map of affected areas and links to additional safety guidance (available in the U.S.)
Alarms for Reminders help you stay on top of urgent tasks, and provide snooze and Live Activity support if you’re not ready to check the reminder off
AirDrop codes offer an additional layer of verification when using AirDrop with unknown contacts by providing a code on the receiver’s device that the sender must enter to complete the transfer
Apple News Section links at the top of the Today feed offer easy navigation to popular topics like Sports, Politics, Business, and Food
Multipack accessory pairing in the Home app lets you use the same setup code to easily enroll multiple accessories when sold together
Flash for alerts in Accessibility Settings offers the additional option to have the device screen flash when you receive a notification
Tables in Freeform can hold text, images, documents, and drawings, with cells that intelligently resize to fit, bringing structure to the infinite canvas
Fixes an issue where pre-release albums in the Apple Music library were not immediately playable at their release time
Fixes an issue where a Privacy and Security setting may incorrectly be marked as managed by an enterprise organization.
Additionally
(Mac) Edge Light creates a virtual light ring on your monitor for better camera images
(iPad) Improvements to Split View and Slide Over, making them operate more like they did in iOS 18
(Apple Watch) revamped Sleep Score numbers are more useful
(Apple TV) essentially a “Kids Mode”, you can create a user profile that isn’t connected to an Apple Account, and accounts can have content restrictions
To update
On each device, visit Settings > General > Software Update.
