Apple Releases First Public Beta of iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2, and More [Download]

Apple has released the first public betas of iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2, and tvOS 26.2 for users to test. The release comes just a couple of days after Apple seeded the first developer betas of the new software.

This first beta of iOS 26.2 introduces a surprising number of new features and refinements. A slider on the Lock Screen lets users further adjust the transparency of the clock, offering more granular control over the 'Liquid Glass' design. The Reminders app gains a new "Urgent" toggle that can trigger a full-screen alarm, while the Podcasts app adds three new AI-powered features: automatically generated chapters, the ability to see and follow other podcasts mentioned in a show, and quick access to links shared during an episode.

Other changes spotted in the initial developer beta include a redesigned Apple News app, the expansion of AirPods Live Translation to users in the European Union, and new scoring ranges for the Sleep Score feature in the Health app. For a full breakdown of the changes, you can check out our look at what's new in iOS 26.2 beta 1. No major new features have been spotted yet in the watchOS or tvOS betas.


You can join the Apple Beta Software Program to try out the new software. Once enrolled, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update on your device and select the public beta from the "Beta Updates" row.

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