Apple Introduces iOS 26.2 Showcasing Liquid Glass Upgrades, CarPlay Enhancements, and More Improvements [Release Notes]

# iOS 26.2: An In-Depth Look at New Functionalities and Upgrades

Apple has officially released iOS 26.2 for iPhone, unveiling an array of thrilling functionalities and upgrades that elevate user engagement. This update is accessible to all users, including those utilizing developer and public beta versions. Below, we delve into the main revisions and enhancements present in this latest version.

## Release Notes

### Apple Music
– **Favorite Songs Playlist**: The Favorite Songs playlist is now featured in the Top Picks area on the home tab.
– **Offline Lyrics**: Users can access lyrics for downloaded tracks without an internet connection.

### Podcasts
– **Automatically Generated Chapters**: This functionality makes it easier to navigate through podcast episodes.
– **Links to Mentioned Podcasts**: Users can directly follow other podcasts mentioned in episodes from the player and transcript.

### Games
– **Library Filters**: Users can search for games by category, size, and other criteria.
– **In-Game Challenge Score Banners**: Real-time notifications inform players when someone gains the lead.
– **Controller Support**: Enhanced compatibility for connected controllers like Backbone and Razer.

### General Enhancements and Bug Fixes
– **Lock Screen Customization**: New options for modifying the look of the Lock Screen with Liquid Glass material.
– **Enhanced Safety Alerts**: Users receive notifications about imminent dangers like floods and natural disasters, including maps and safety tips (available in the U.S.).
– **Reminder Alarms**: New alarms for reminders assist users in effectively managing urgent tasks.
– **AirDrop Codes**: A verification code appears on the receiver’s device for added security when AirDropping with unknown contacts.
– **Apple News Navigation**: Quick links to trending topics are now accessible at the top of the Today feed.
– **Home App Multipack Pairing**: Simplifies the configuration of multiple accessories sold as a bundle.
– **Accessibility Flash Alerts**: The device screen can flash upon receiving notifications.
– **Freeform Tables**: Tables can now accommodate various types of content, dynamically resizing as needed.

## Notable Features in Beta

### AirDrop Codes
A new functionality enables users to AirDrop between devices without needing to be saved contacts for 30 days. This was first introduced in iOS 26.2 beta 3.

### Liquid Glass Level Design
The Measure app has undergone a Liquid Glass-inspired redesign, enhancing the visual presentation while keeping clarity of displayed numbers.

### iPadOS Improvements
iPadOS 26.2 beta 3 reintroduces multitasking capabilities, allowing users to drag app icons from the Dock to activate Slide Over or Split View.

### Default Voice Assistant Code
Leaked code suggests that Apple is working on a feature to substitute Siri as the default voice assistant in Japan, adhering to regulatory requirements.

### Games App Navigation
The Games app now features sorting and filtering capabilities, alongside real-time score updates during gameplay.

### Sleep Score Changes
The Sleep Score system for monitoring sleep has been revised, with “Very High” replacing “Excellent” as the top rating, reacting to user input for more precise evaluations.

### Apple Podcasts Enhancements
AI technology is being used to enhance the Apple Podcasts app, facilitating automatic chapter generation and linking to mentioned podcasts.

### Apple News Design
The News app has been optimized with quick links to popular sections, improving user navigation.

### AirPods Live Translation
Commencing in December, AirPods Live Translation will be available in EU countries, aligning with the full rollout of iOS 26.2.

### Liquid Glass Lock Screen Slider
A new Liquid Glass slider empowers users to modify the translucency of the Lock Screen clock, enhancing customization possibilities.

### Reminders Alarms and Timers
The Reminders app now includes alarms for urgent tasks, offering a heightened notification level that can bypass Focus modes.

## Conclusion

iOS 26.2 introduces a plethora of new functionalities and upgrades that markedly enhance user experience across a range of applications and settings. From improved music and podcast features to better safety notifications and customization choices, this update showcases Apple’s dedication to continuously improving its software ecosystem. Users are encouraged to explore these new functionalities and fully leverage the capabilities available in iOS 26.2.

tvOS 26.2 Launched for Apple TV 4K: Fresh Features and Enhancements

Apple has recently unveiled its latest software updates, which include tvOS 26.2, HomePod 26.2, and visionOS 26.2. This article highlights the key improvements introduced in tvOS 26.2, especially concerning user profiles on Apple TV.

### Apple TV Profiles Receive Two Enhancements in tvOS 26.2

User profiles on Apple TV were rolled out several years back, yet their functionality has only recently become a prominent feature. With the introduction of tvOS 26, Apple prioritized profile selection as the initial screen users see when turning on their Apple TV 4K. The recent update, tvOS 26.2, introduces two important modifications that enhance the accessibility and utility of profiles.

#### Flexible Profile Creation

A key development in tvOS 26.2 is the capacity to establish new user profiles without the necessity of linking them to a specific Apple Account. This adaptability is especially advantageous for different situations, like creating profiles for visitors or kids. Previously, setting up a profile required the creation of a complete Apple Account, often through a Family Sharing setup. Now, initiating profiles is as simple as it is on popular third-party applications such as Netflix and Disney+.

#### Improved Kids’ Profiles

The second significant update pertains to the functionality of children’s profiles. With the latest update, kids’ profiles will influence the content shown within Apple’s TV app. During the setup of a child’s profile, users can set content rating limits, ensuring that only age-suitable TV shows and movies are visible according to the designated restrictions. This feature enables parents to more effectively tailor their child’s viewing experience, simplifying the management of accessible content.

In summary, these updates showcase Apple’s dedication to enhancing the user experience on Apple TV, particularly in the realm of profile management. The ability to conveniently establish a profile for a young child, for example, allows for a more customized viewing experience, guaranteeing that content such as “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” is highlighted for younger audiences.

While visionOS 26.2 and HomePod 26.2 have also been launched, there have been no new features reported for these updates at this time.

As users become acquainted with the new capabilities in tvOS 26.2, many may contemplate using profiles on their Apple TV for the first time.

Fresh Submissions Reveal Insights into Elon Musk’s Legal Action Against Apple and OpenAI

xAI’s lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI revolves around accusations of anticompetitive behavior, particularly regarding the visibility of its Grok app within the App Store. The lawsuit echoes Elon Musk’s persistent apprehensions since acquiring Twitter, now X, about competition in the AI domain.

### A Bit of Context

In July 2025, xAI rolled out Grok 4, launched the Grok Imagine feature, and introduced customizable chatbots, leading to a significant advancement in Grok’s App Store ranking from 60th to 29th, ultimately reaching 5th place after being made free for all users. Musk contended that Apple was deliberately obstructing Grok’s visibility, a claim that was promptly challenged by platform users.

Musk’s allegations resulted in the initiation of a lawsuit asserting that Apple and OpenAI are working together to sustain their monopolies in the AI sector. The lawsuit alleges that Apple’s editorial oversight of the App Store enables it to favor OpenAI’s ChatGPT, thereby suppressing competition from other generative AI chatbot creators such as xAI.

### Allegations in the Lawsuit

xAI’s complaint details that Apple is purportedly restricting the discoverability of rival AI applications while endorsing ChatGPT. The lawsuit claims that Apple’s actions aim to inhibit competition within both smartphone and generative AI sectors. Musk argues that Apple, having overlooked AI opportunities, is now safeguarding its smartphone monopoly by advancing OpenAI, which he characterizes as a monopolist in the generative AI chatbot space.

The lawsuit additionally asserts that the exclusive partnership between Apple and OpenAI positions ChatGPT as the sole generative AI chatbot embedded in iPhones, compelling users to depend on it for essential functions, despite the existence of potentially more groundbreaking alternatives like Grok.

### Legal Proceedings and Requests for Evidence

In spite of attempts by Apple and OpenAI to dismiss the case, U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman has called for additional evidence. xAI has since requested documents from international firms, including South Korea’s Kakao Corporation and Alipay, to bolster its assertions. The filings indicate that super apps, which integrate multiple features, threaten Apple’s market supremacy and contribute to elevated iPhone pricing.

xAI’s inquiries encompass questions about the financial relevance of super apps, their effects on smartphone switching, and how Apple’s policies influence app distribution and innovation.

### Broader Implications

The lawsuit seems to go beyond App Store rankings, implying that Musk is leveraging legal avenues to tackle broader concerns regarding X’s goals to evolve into a super app in the West. This goal stands in stark contrast to the triumph of Asian super apps, which have prospered under analogous App Store regulations.

The legal approach taken by xAI raises doubts about the legitimacy of its accusations and whether they genuinely confront anticompetitive conduct or merely serve as a strategy to reshape the competitive environment in favor of X.

### Conclusion

The resolution of xAI’s lawsuit could have profound effects on the app ecosystem and competition within the AI market. While the substantiation of xAI’s claims merits scrutiny, the underlying motivations behind the lawsuit may indicate deeper strategic goals rather than an uncomplicated antitrust matter. The courts will ultimately assess the merit of these claims and the future of competition in the AI sector.

iOS 26.2 Brings Fresh Features for Apple Music and Fixes Viral Bug Problems

**Apple Music Upgrades in iOS 26.2: Highlighted Features and Resolutions**

Apple has unveiled iOS 26.2 for iPhone users, bringing forth multiple important updates to Apple Music. This upgrade not only enhances the user experience but also remedies a significant bug that impacted the availability of new albums on the platform.

### New Features in Apple Music

1. **Favorite Songs Playlist in Top Picks**: This update prominently displays the “Favorite Songs” playlist in the “Top Picks” section on the home tab of the Apple Music app. This adjustment is designed to enhance the ease of finding users’ favorite tracks, building on the feature that was introduced in iOS 17.2.

2. **Offline Lyrics Access**: A highly awaited feature is the capability to view lyrics for downloaded songs without an internet connection. This enhancement is particularly advantageous for users who enjoy singing along to their preferred tracks while offline, giving Apple Music a competitive advantage over platforms like Spotify, which still necessitate a network connection to access lyrics.

3. **Resolution for Pre-release Album Bug**: iOS 26.2 resolves a persistent issue where users who pre-saved albums, such as Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl,” could not listen to them immediately upon release. This bug had been a source of frustration for fans and is now fixed, ensuring more seamless access to new releases going forward.

### Conclusion

With the launch of iOS 26.2, Apple Music users can anticipate an enhanced listening experience, courtesy of the newly introduced features and bug fixes. The capability to easily access favorite songs, view offline lyrics, and rectify pre-release album problems improves the overall service functionality. Users can subscribe to Apple Music for $10.99 or as part of the Apple One bundle, making it an attractive choice for music aficionados.

HomeKit Weekly: Homey Introduces New Matter Bridge Application to Incorporate More Smart Home Devices into HomeKit

### The Homey Matter Bridge: Merging Legacy Smart Devices with HomeKit

If you’ve been part of the smart home landscape for some time, you probably have legacy devices that are not compatible with Matter, such as Zigbee sensors, Z-Wave thermostats, and infrared remotes. Although these devices work perfectly, they usually operate outside of your HomeKit ecosystem. The latest update from Homey introduces a Matter Bridge app for Homey Pro and Homey Pro mini, enabling HomeKit users to effortlessly integrate a diverse array of non-Matter accessories into the Home app.

#### What Is the Homey Experience?

Homey acts as a flexible smart home hub that supports numerous devices across different protocols, including Zigbee, Z-Wave, infrared, Thread, Matter, and Wi-Fi. The main objective of Homey is to consolidate your smart home devices from various brands and protocols onto one platform. It handles device connections and automations, allowing control through the Homey app or integration with other platforms like HomeKit via Matter. In essence, Homey serves as a universal translator for smart home devices, akin to HomeBridge but in a commercially supported framework.

#### The Functionality of the Matter Bridge App

The Homey Matter Bridge app operates as an intermediary for older devices, permitting them to connect to Matter. Homey already accommodates multiple protocols, and with this app, any device managed by Homey Pro or Homey Pro mini can be made accessible to HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, or Home Assistant as a Matter-native device. For Apple users, it means that devices not initially intended for HomeKit can now be incorporated into the Home app alongside other gadgets.

Significantly, this integration is not cloud-dependent; Homey functions locally, ensuring that automations and communications remain efficient and functional even when internet connectivity is lost. The Matter Bridge app continues this trend by securely presenting accessories to Matter controllers.

#### The Importance for HomeKit Users

Numerous users have committed to smart home devices over the years that do not support Matter. With the Homey update, older equipment such as Z-Wave door sensors, Zigbee light switches, and IR-based fans can now connect and display within the Home app, making them usable in scenes and automations.

HomeKit users can manage these devices through the Home app, Siri, Control Center, and automations. For example, you can connect an older IR-controlled fan to Homey and have it appear in the Home app as a Matter device. This integration fosters a more integrated smart home experience without the necessity to replace operational devices.

#### Positioning This in a HomeKit Environment

After setting up the Matter Bridge app on Homey, users can access the Matter Bridge section in Settings. Homey generates a QR code that can be scanned with Apple Home, allowing users to choose which devices linked to Homey they wish to unveil to HomeKit. This selective exposure enables you to integrate only the devices you prefer, keeping your HomeKit environment uncluttered.

The update is compatible with both Homey Pro and Homey Pro mini, giving you flexibility based on your home configuration. Homey already supports Zigbee, Thread, and Matter locally, and with the Matter Bridge, it introduces Z-Wave, Bluetooth, and infrared functionality, making it a thorough solution for incorporating older devices.

#### Use Cases for HomeKit Users

Here are several situations where the Homey Matter Bridge can greatly improve a HomeKit environment:

– Legacy Z-Wave contact sensors
– Functional Zigbee light switches
– 433 MHz blinds or shades
– IR-controlled window-mounted air conditioning units
– IR-based ceiling fans with remote controllers

Once these gadgets show up in the Home app, they can be added to scenes, triggered by motion, or included in morning routines, functioning like any other Matter accessory.

#### Conclusion

The Matter Bridge app for Homey Pro and Homey Pro mini signifies a major step forward in smart home technology. It provides HomeKit users with a viable solution to integrate older devices into their contemporary setups without necessitating hardware replacement. The update is presently accessible in the Homey App Store for existing users. For those aiming to consolidate various generations of smart home equipment under Apple Home, this is an enticing option.

You can buy the Homey Pro and Homey Pro mini from Amazon.

watchOS 26.2 Has Been Launched for Apple Watch: Fresh Features and Enhancements

**watchOS 26.2: Improvements to Sleep Score and New Safety Features**

Apple has officially rolled out watchOS 26.2, coinciding with the launch of iOS 26.2. This latest version introduces several significant upgrades, especially in the Sleep Score functionality and the addition of Enhanced Safety Alerts.

### Key Updates in watchOS 26.2

**1. Improved Sleep Score System**

One of the most notable alterations in watchOS 26.2 is the reworking of the Sleep Score evaluation system. The highest rating has been changed from ‘Excellent’ to ‘Very High,’ and the scoring ranges have been modified. Below is a comparison of the updated grading system against the previous one:

| Grade | iOS 26.2 | iOS 26 |
|—————|———-|———|
| Very High | 96-100 | 90-100 |
| High | 81-95 | 70-89 |
| OK | 61-80 | 50-69 |
| Low | 41-60 | 30-49 |
| Very Low | 0-40 | 0-29 |

Despite the alteration in terminology and scoring ranges, the fundamental metrics for the Sleep Score continue to focus on Duration, Bedtime, and Interruptions.

**2. Enhanced Safety Alerts**

Another key feature introduced in watchOS 26.2 is the Enhanced Safety Alerts. This feature is designed to keep users informed about potential hazards such as floods and other natural disasters. It delivers detailed information, including maps of affected zones and links to further safety resources, currently available in the United States.

**3. Bug Fixes and Regulatory Changes**

In addition to these new features, the update resolves a bug in Apple Music that could hinder tracks from progressing. Additionally, due to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), there are modifications affecting how iPhone and Apple Watch share Wi-Fi network information, which will impact users in the EU.

### How to Update

To download watchOS 26.2, users must first upgrade their iPhones to iOS 26.2. The update can be found through the Watch app on the iPhone under General ⇾ Software Update.

### Conclusion

The introduction of watchOS 26.2 brings valuable enhancements, particularly in sleep monitoring and user safety. As Apple works to improve its ecosystem, users can anticipate more updates that emphasize health and safety.