How to Install iOS 26.2 Beta 3 on Your iPhone Today

Apple has now provided the third developer beta version of iOS 26.2 for the iPhone models, which are compatible with the operating system, and it is now featuring a lot of new stuff and system changes for testing purposes. The enhancements in the update include not just AirDrop, health notifications, gaming, and interface settings but also the early adoption of voice assistants as a substitute in specific areas.

The beta release offers a feature wherein the user can generate a one-time AirDrop code for sharing the transferred files with people that are not in their contacts. The code once shared will allow the transfer of files between the devices for a maximum of 30 days. People can manage recipients through Settings > General > AirDrop > Manage Known AirDrop Contacts.

Now developers can ask for the Hypertension Notifications produced by the Apple Watch to be sent to them. The new API offers health apps that are compatible to read the notifications thus allowing the monitoring of heart health to be spread across the different applications.

Apple is still working on the Liquid Glass interface which was introduced earlier in the betas. The "Tinted" mode now carries a notice advising that it cannot be used with the Reduce Transparency or Increase Contrast accessibility options. Moreover, the Measure app's Liquid Glass Level has been advanced in such a way that obstructed readings from certain angles are no longer a problem.

Along with an updated library filtration, controller navigation has also been made more convenient and live scores are shown during the game play as a part of the updates delivered to the Games app. The beta also displays these modifications through a new pop-up intended for this.

Side Button Customization

Beta version 3 mentions the possibility of third-party vocal assistants being assigned to the Side Button, a feature that is at present only available to Japanese Apple accounts. Even though the Side Button is now restricted to activating Siri, the upgrade reveals that people in Japan could eventually get the chance to choose assistants like Google Gemini instead.

The iOS 26.2 developer beta 3 is available for the following devices:

iPhone 17 series: 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, Air

iPhone 16 series: 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 16e

iPhone 15 series: 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14 series: 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max

iPhone 13 series: 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max

iPhone 12 series: 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max

iPhone 11 series: 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max

iPhone SE: 2nd gen and above

How to Install the Beta

1. Register to the iOS 26 developer beta program through the Apple Developer website.
2. Confirm that your iPhone is logged in with the same Apple account that you used for enrollment.
3. Go to Settings > General > Software update > Beta updates, and choose iOS 26 developer beta.
4. When it gets available, install the iOS 26.2 developer beta.