Apple has released a beta version of iOS 26.2 for iPhone users. While this update doesn’t promise earth-shattering innovations, closer inspection reveals some interesting tweaks and additions that could enhance your mobile experience. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect when the official release arrives:
A Podcast Power-Up
The Apple Podcasts app gets several notable upgrades.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of AI-generated chapters with timestamps for podcasts. While podcast creators can choose to override these automatically generated chapters, their presence provides a helpful roadmap for listeners. This feature could be particularly useful for navigating longer episodes or avoiding spoilers in discussions about movies or TV shows.
Adding another layer of interconnectivity, iOS 26.2 introduces “Podcast Mentions.” This new feature links podcasts within an episode to their respective titles, making it easy to discover new shows based on recommendations from your current listen.
Sleep Tracking Gets More Precise (and Demanding)
Apple Watch users who track their sleep will notice a shift in the way their Sleep Scores are calculated. The scoring system now spans wider ranges:
- Very Low: 0-40 (previously 0-29)
- Low: 41-60 (previously 30-49)
- OK: 61-80 (previously 50-69)
- High: 81-95 (previously 70-89)
- Excellent: 96-100 (previously 90-100)
While these changes don’t dramatically alter the scoring system, they indicate a slight tightening of Apple’s criteria for achieving higher Sleep Scores.
Apple News Gets a Facelift
The Apple News app is undergoing some visual and navigational tweaks to streamline user experience. The “Today” screen now prominently features buttons for categories like Food, Puzzles, Politics, and Sports, providing quick access to specific interests. Additionally, a new “Following” tab gathers all your saved stories and favorites in one place for easy reference.
Liquid Glass: Still Pushing Forward
Apple continues its efforts to promote the visually striking Liquid Glass lock screen customization option, though specifics about this beta update haven’t been widely disclosed yet.
The iOS 26.2 beta offers a sneak peek at upcoming refinements that focus on enhancing existing features and user convenience. While not a revolutionary upgrade, these changes collectively point towards Apple refining its ecosystem for a smoother and more personalized experience.
