iOS 26.2 Beta 3 Lets You Replace Siri on the Side Button in Japan

Apple is adding a new 'Side Button Access' feature in the latest beta of iOS 26.2, giving users in Japan the ability to launch third-party voice-based conversational apps by pressing and holding the side button on their iPhone.

The option gives users in Japan another way to customize their device. Once configured, holding the side button can immediately open a preferred conversational app, creating a system-level shortcut similar to invoking Siri.

Developers will need to add a new 'Side Button Access' entitlement and supply an app intent that conforms to the activate schema. Apple's documentation notes that apps launched this way should begin an audio session right away so voice input is ready without delay.


Functionality is limited to iPhone users in Japan. Apple says that on a production device, the user's Apple Account region must be set to Japan and the device must be physically located in the country. The capability builds on App Intents, which already supports assigning actions to hardware controls like the Action button.

Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for more iOS 26 updates.