Everything New In IOS 26.2 Beta 3

Apple continues to test the next iPhone software update with iOS 26.2 beta 3 released today. The pre-release iPhone software update includes a surprising amount of changes and refinements. Here’s everything new so far:

AirDrop codes

As we’ve been reporting, Apple is developing a new AirDrop capability that allows users to AirDrop between devices without being saved contacts for 30 days. iOS 26.2 beta 3 is the first version to reveal early signs of the feature in the AirDrop section of Settings.

Liquid Glass Level

Last week, Apple introduced an all-new Liquid Glass-inspired Level design inside the Measure app in iOS 26.2 beta 2. In iOS 26.2 beta 3, Apple has further refined the design to avoid obscuring what numbers are shown in certain situations.

iPadOS Split View and Slide Over

Apple brought back Slide Over in iPadOS 26.1, and now Apple is improving another multitasking feature that was left behind from iOS 18. Starting with iPadOS 26.2 beta 3, you can now drag an app icon out of the Dock to enter Slide Over or Split View during multitasking.

Default voice assistant code

Leaked code shows signs that Apple is developing the ability to replace invoking Siri as the default action that occurs when holding the side button. This will only be offered in Japan as a regulatory requirement.

Today’s changes are in addition to what we’ve seen in iOS 26.2 beta 1 and 2.

Games app navigation

Games app adds sorting and filtering to library, controller navigation, and score updates in real time during playback.

Measure redesign

Level inside Measure app adds Liquid Glass design.

Messages CarPlay update

Pinned conversations for Messages can now be disabled in CarPlay Settings.

Animations when tapping buttons to open menus are much smoother.

Edge Light feature on macOS 26 Tahoe

Apple is introducing a new built-in feature for Mac called Edge Light. It creates a virtual ring light using your Mac’s screen to enhance lighting on video calls.

Sleep Score changes

Apple is changing how Sleep Score works for sleep tracking. Very High replaces Excellent as the highest category, and the thresholds for each category have changed as well. This follows user feedback that criticized Sleep Score range for being too broad, and Excellent being too positive.

Apple Podcasts app enhancements

Apple is using AI to improve the Apple Podcasts app experience. Starting with iOS 26.2, the app can use AI to automatically generate chapters, link to referenced podcasts, and collect show links.

Apple News design

iOS 26 itself is a major redesign. With iOS 26.2, Apple is further refining the News app experience with quick links to popular sections within the app.

AirPods Live Translation in EU

Apple says that AirPods Live Translation will be supported in European Union countries starting in December. That’s presumably when iOS 26.2 will be released and out of beta.

Liquid Glass Lock Screen slider

Apple has added a much more dramatic Liquid Glass slider that adjusts the level of translucency on the Lock Screen clock. It now works for each font option.

Reminders adds alarms and timers

iOS 26.2 introduces the ability to trigger an alarm when an urgent reminder is due. This provides a much higher level of notification than repeating alerts or Time Sensitive alerts that persist. Alarms and timers can also break through Focus modes.