AllYouCanTech

iOS 26.2 Brings Three Fresh Features to the Apple Podcasts App

Apple is enhancing its built-in Podcasts app with three modifications beginning with iOS 26.2. The improvements consist of two fresh features and a significant upgrade to an already existing feature.

### Chapters

To start, Apple is now automatically creating podcast episode chapters for the first time. While Apple previously displayed and supported chapter markers within episodes, podcast producers were required to manually construct podcast chapter titles and timestamps. According to Apple, Podcasts in iOS 26.2 enables users to “easily navigate more episodes with automatically created chapters.” The effectiveness of this functionality will take time to evaluate.

### Podcast Mentions

Next, Apple is refining its approach to podcast discovery through word-of-mouth. Beginning with iOS 26.2, Apple Podcasts will offer the capability to “see and follow mentioned podcasts right from the player and transcript.” This feature is especially beneficial for listeners looking to delve into a referenced podcast show or episode without the inconvenience of searching for a link. If it operates as expected, it will present the referenced podcast link precisely when needed.

### From This Episode

Finally, Apple is tackling a frequent challenge faced by both podcasters and listeners. It is common for hosts to mention “links in the show notes” during episodes, yet accessing these links in a user-friendly manner can be challenging. Apple is launching the From This Episode feature, which will enable users to “quickly access the links shared in a podcast on the episode page.” At present, this feature supports limited functionality, but it represents just the initial beta release.

Apple will persist in tracking these features throughout the iOS 26.2 beta phase and provide updates as additional information becomes available.

iOS 26.2 Debuts Liquid Glass Slider for Personalizing Lock Screen

**iOS 26.2 Beta 1 Brings Customizable Liquid Glass Slider for Lock Screen Time Display**

Apple has unveiled iOS 26.2 beta 1 for developers, showcasing an exciting new customization feature for the Lock Screen time display. This update presents a Liquid Glass slider that permits users to modify the transparency of the time shown on their iPhone’s Lock Screen.

### Customization of Lock Screen Time Display

With iOS 26.2, users can now tailor their Lock Screen clock by choosing from various transparency levels. This capability is applicable to all font styles, allowing users to make the time display either highly transparent or completely opaque, based on their choice. The slider can be accessed on the Wallpaper editing screen by tapping on the clock.

This new feature builds on the earlier update, iOS 26.1, which introduced a Settings toggle to change the overall transparency of the Liquid Glass effect across the system. While that version offered merely two selections—Clear and Tinted—the new slider in iOS 26.2 enables a more refined approach, providing the ability for specific adjustments along the transparency gradient.

### Limitations and Upcoming Improvements

At present, users can only modify the clock size when employing the default font style. There is optimism that forthcoming versions of iOS 26.2 beta may broaden this resizing feature to additional font styles, further enhancing customization options.

### Conclusion

The arrival of the Liquid Glass slider in iOS 26.2 beta 1 signifies a noteworthy advancement in Apple’s continuous efforts to offer users greater personalization choices for their devices. As users experiment with these new functionalities, feedback on customization preferences will likely shape future updates. How do you intend to customize your Lock Screen clock in iOS 26.2?

iPadOS 26.2 Beta 1 Made Available for Testing

At the beginning of the week, Apple issued iPadOS 26.1 for all users. Now, merely one day later, a fresh batch of beta software updates has arrived, featuring iPadOS 26.2 beta 1.

### First iPadOS 26.2 Beta Surfaces Soon After 26.1 Released

Apple’s track record with software launches is generally quite consistent. Usually, following the rollout of one software update to all users, the company quickly introduces beta versions of its subsequent update—sometimes even as soon as one day later. That’s the situation today, as iPadOS 26.2 beta 1 appears just one day after 26.1 was released to the public.

Yesterday’s update reintroduced Slide Over for multitasking, along with new Apple Intelligence languages, an easy Apple Music feature, and more. Today’s iPadOS 26.2 beta is, so far, entirely unknown. There have been few whispers regarding new features that may be included.

In contrast to some previous years, when Apple reveals numerous features at WWDC in June that don’t launch immediately in the fall, there’s no roster of previously disclosed iPadOS 26 features that are still outstanding. On the iPhone front, we are still expecting US passport support in Wallet, which may arrive with iOS 26.2. For iPad users, any new features in today’s iPadOS 26.2 beta will come as a surprise.

What new features do you wish to see in iPadOS 26.2, and have you uncovered anything in the beta? Share your thoughts in the comments.

watchOS 26.2 Brings Major Enhancements to Sleep Score: Important Modifications Explained

### Grasping the New Sleep Score Feature in watchOS 26.2

One of the key attributes of watchOS 26 is the Sleep Score, which offers users a nightly rating and categorization of their sleep quality on the Apple Watch. With the latest release of the initial betas of watchOS 26.2, Apple has implemented multiple modifications to improve this feature.

#### What is Sleep Score?

The Sleep Score functionality on the Apple Watch evaluates how restorative your sleep is for both the mind and the body. The score is determined based on three primary criteria, with a total of 100 points available:

– **Duration**: Up to 50 points
– **Bedtime**: Up to 30 points
– **Interruptions**: Up to 20 points

These scores are then aggregated to yield an overall Sleep Score, which is categorized into five levels:

– **Very Low**: 0-29 points
– **Low**: 30-49 points
– **OK**: 50-69 points
– **High**: 70-89 points
– **Excellent**: 90-100 points

#### Modifications in watchOS 26.2

With the launch of watchOS 26.2, Apple has updated the classification levels of the Sleep Score. The top classification level has been changed from “Excellent” to “Very High,” and the thresholds for each category have been modified:

– **Very Low**: 0-40 points
– **Low**: 41-60 points
– **OK**: 61-80 points
– **High**: 81-95 points
– **Very High**: 96-100 points

This change implies that a score of 70/100 will no longer meet the criteria for the “High” category, as the cutoff has been increased to 81/100. Apple seeks to deliver a more objective metric with the designation “Very High,” aimed at minimizing confusion regarding users’ feelings based on their Sleep Score.

#### Data-Informed Enhancements

The modifications to the Sleep Score feature are guided by data gathered through the Apple Heart and Movement Study. As Apple has collected more insights and feedback from users, it has fine-tuned the Sleep Score to better adhere to the most recent guidelines from esteemed organizations such as the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the National Sleep Foundation, and the World Sleep Society.

#### User Feedback

The changes in watchOS 26.2 appear to respond to concerns expressed by users on platforms like Reddit, where some have critiqued the Sleep Score for being excessively lenient. The renaming of the highest score category to “Very High” aligns more closely with the other classifications and provides a more accurate portrayal of sleep quality.

#### Conclusion

The Sleep Score feature is accessible on all Apple Watch models that support watchOS 26, and it also functions with third-party devices. As Apple continues to fine-tune this feature, users can anticipate a more accurate evaluation of their sleep quality. The feedback from the community has been instrumental in these improvements, showcasing Apple’s dedication to enhancing user experience based on actual data and insights.

macOS Tahoe 26.1 Brings Improved Tools for Spotlight’s Clipboard Function

Apple unveiled macOS Tahoe 26.1 yesterday for all users, bringing fresh privacy features for Spotlight’s clipboard history function that had previously escaped attention.

### Spotlight’s Clipboard History Feature Now Includes Privacy-Conscious Options

Spotlight in macOS Tahoe has gained substantial strength, showcasing upgrades like Quick Keys, new supported actions, and more pertinent results. A significant enhancement in macOS Tahoe was the launch of clipboard history.

Within the System Settings under Spotlight, users can now opt to enable or disable Clipboard History according to their privacy preferences. With the release of macOS Tahoe 26.1, Apple has broadened these privacy features, offering users enhanced control over their clipboard history.

In the past, users were confined to basic ‘On’ and ‘Off’ toggles for clipboard history. The latest update empowers users to determine the duration for which they want their clipboard history saved, with options including:

– 30 minutes
– 8 hours
– 7 days

For those mindful of privacy but still wishing to utilize clipboard history in Spotlight, the 30-minute option is perfect. The 8-hour setting was the default before this update, although it wasn’t explicitly stated in Tahoe. For users requiring additional time, the new 7-day option is available.

Furthermore, macOS Tahoe 26.1 introduces a ‘Clear Clipboard History’ button for the first time. This feature is found within the same Spotlight settings panel, enabling users to erase their clipboard history with a single click, regardless of the chosen expiration time.

With these updated privacy features, users can more effectively oversee their clipboard history while taking advantage of Spotlight’s enhanced capabilities.

Nomad’s Qi2 25W 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock Compatible with Pixel 10 and iPhone 17

Nomad has unveiled an enhancement to its well-known “Stand One” charging series, now incorporating Qi2 support. This upgrade is especially advantageous for Pixel 10 and iPhone 17 users, as it introduces a Qi2 25W charging feature that comes with a secondary charger tailored for earbuds like Pixel Buds or AirPods.

The Qi2 25W charging functionality adheres to the new Qi 2.2.1 standard, which improves charging speeds to 25W. Although the charging rate may taper off as the battery approaches capacity, it offers a considerable advantage for devices running low on battery. The iPhone 17 series and the iPhone 16 series (with iOS 26) are compatible with this new charging standard.

The revamped “Stand One” charger showcases a primary 25W charger on the front for smartphones and an additional Qi charger on the back for charging earbud cases. For users seeking more features, the “Stand One Max” version delivers the same charging speeds and includes an integrated Apple Watch charger.

To harness the full potential of both chargers, a 40W adapter is required, which is not part of the purchase package. Nomad provides compatible 40W adapters starting at $25, though any USB-C PD charger rated at 40W or more will work.

This new range is particularly thrilling for Android aficionados, notably those with the Pixel 10 series. The earlier “Stand One” version was mainly tailored for MagSafe, offering only 5W-7.5W charging speeds to Android devices. The addition of Qi2 support signifies a considerable enhancement, enabling quicker and more efficient charging.

The “Stand One” charger is crafted from high-quality materials, weighing over 1lb, which aids in keeping it steady as users detach their phones. Its rubber base and metal build enhance both its durability and visual charm. The Qi2 25W “Stand One” charging stand can now be purchased for $119 for the 2-in-1 version and $159 for the 3-in-1 version that includes the Apple Watch charger.

In conclusion, Nomad’s upgraded “Stand One” series with Qi2 support presents a flexible and effective charging solution for both Pixel 10 and iPhone 17 users, making it a valuable investment for anyone in search of a dependable and stylish charging stand.