iOS 26.2 is Here: Unlock Secret Features on Your iPhone Now

Apple is updating the iPhone again at the end of the year, and also announcing that iOS 26.2 is coming before the end of December. The new version is a combination of visual changes, features focused on utility and ecosystem refinements which change the way people interact with their devices' everyday features.

The new features in the update include controls for the lock screen, a white light notification, deeper sleep insights, and Apple Music lyrics in offline mode. The company claims that the update is a minor one but it still affects a lot of daily use across iPhone and Apple Watch.

A new control option comes first among the elements of interface change. With iOS 26.2, a Liquid Glass opacity slider is introduced that is a continuation of the effect already presented in iOS 26.1. Just a short time ago users were alternating between two preset looks for the Lock Screen's layered glass effect. The new slider enables them to adjust the opacity over a range, thus deciding how sharp or soft the clock merges into the background.

This adjustment provides users with more control over the appearance of their Lock Screen, in which they can either set a sharper display for better visibility or a frosted layer that harmonizes with Apple's characteristic visual tone. It also signals Apple's continuous move towards providing flexible customisation options which are easy to setup.

During the update, on top of the visual changes, Apple is now including another alert method. iPhones were already able to notify users by flashing the rear LED. With this new update, if a notification is received the whole screen will briefly flash.

The feature is available for activation under Settings → Accessibility → Audio & Visual → Flash for Alerts, where users get to decide between LED flash, screen flash, both or turning the feature off completely. The screen-based alert is meant to assist users in noticing the incoming notifications even if their device is kept screen up.

Apple is also changing the way sleep quality is assessed. In iOS 26.2 and watchOS 26.2, the Sleep Score will now fall in a wider range — from Very Low (0–40) to Very High (96–100). The new scoring will more precisely reflect the factors of duration, night interruptions and consistency.

Scores come up in the iPhone’s Health app and also on the Apple Watch’s Sleep app, allowing users to have a better understanding of their nightly patterns over time.

The Reminders app receives yet another useful change. Users are now able to assign alarm-type sounds to certain reminders. By setting a time and turning on the Urgent option, an audible alert will be activated — a very useful feature for those who rely on reminders for time-sensitive tasks.

A small upgrade will be given in the form of offline loading of lyrics for Apple Music subscribers. Song lyrics will be available for viewing even when the subscriber’s device does not have an active connection, thus preventing interruptions during travel or in weak-signal areas.

The apple news app is also getting a following tab, new quick-access sections for categories like sports, politics, business, puzzles, and food, thus making the app more personalized navigation-wise.

December is when Apple is largely expected to release iOS 26.2. The update is not intended to change the overall platform but rather to enhance the daily interactions with the update working on including nice notifications, better sleep data, etc. Besides, it is a big step in Apple’s move towards accessibility, customization, and utility across devices.