AllYouCanTech

iOS 26.2 Could Unveil 30-Day AirDrop Pairing Functionality for Devices

Apple is developing a new feature that will enable users to maintain AirDrop pairing between devices for as long as 30 days. Here are the specifics.

### New configuration might provide enhanced privacy options

With the release of iOS 26.2 developer beta 1 earlier today, Apple seems to be focused on giving users greater authority over who can share files through AirDrop, no matter if the sender is a recognized contact or not.

At present, AirDrop offers three visibility options:

– **Receiving Off**
– **Contacts Only**
– **Everyone for 10 minutes**

According to code analyzed by 9to5Mac, Apple appears to be introducing a new choice that will enable users to connect their devices for AirDrop using a PIN, which will allow them to “find each other in AirDrop when nearby for the next 30 days.”

This indicates that users will have the ability to link two devices by inputting a short PIN, keeping them visible to each other in AirDrop for the upcoming month, without having to revert to “Everyone for 10 minutes.”

The feature, which is not yet functional in iOS 26.2 beta 1 and may be subject to changes, will allow users to adjust this setting in Settings.

Over the years, Apple has aimed to enhance AirDrop privacy and reduce issues arising from unsolicited AirDrop requests. This feature seems to be a continuation of that initiative, whether it is introduced as a fourth option or as part of a larger reform of AirDrop permissions.

iOS 26.2 Unveils New Tables Functionality in Freeform App

### iOS 26.2 Beta 1 Brings Table Functionality to Freeform App

Apple has launched the initial beta of iOS 26.2, featuring a major upgrade to its Freeform app by adding table support. This enhancement improves the app’s capabilities, enabling users to arrange information more efficiently.

#### What is Freeform?

Freeform is a dynamic digital workspace created for creativity and teamwork. It acts as an online whiteboard where individuals can gather various forms of content, such as images, sketches, links, and documents. As stated by Apple, the app enables users and groups to brainstorm, outline concepts, take notes, and assemble ideas seamlessly.

#### New Features in iOS 26.2

Before this enhancement, Freeform already accommodated a diverse range of content types such as sketches, photos, richly formatted lists, text, stickers, and videos. The addition of tables in iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 represents a significant improvement, offering users a robust new means for data organization.

Tables can be easily generated within the app’s attachment screen, allowing for adjustments in size and content. Users can insert text and lists into their tables, making it a useful feature for both individual and group projects. The interface supports quick resizing of tables through corner drag indicators, and new rows and columns can be added via clearly visible “+” buttons.

#### User Experience

Although some users may not have fully leveraged Freeform since its debut, the introduction of tables is set to capture more interest. The usability and the option to organize information in an orderly fashion could greatly enhance the app’s attractiveness.

#### Conclusion

The addition of table functionality in Freeform with iOS 26.2 is a valuable update for users aiming to boost their productivity and organization within the app. As Apple progressively enhances its applications, this feature is expected to make a significant difference for both casual and advanced users. Users are invited to discover this new capability and share their feedback as they adjust to these updates.

Apple Card Welcomes Hertz as a Fresh 3% Daily Cash Associate Alongside Extra Perks

### Apple Card Boosts Perks with Hertz Alliance

Apple Card holders can now take advantage of a thrilling new benefit: 3% Daily Cash back on car rentals with Hertz. This announcement marks a noteworthy enhancement to the rewards offered to Apple Card users, increasing the overall value of the card.

#### Major Advantages of Using Apple Card with Hertz

By using your Apple Card to book eligible rentals via the Hertz app or website, you unlock a range of advantages, including:

– **3% Daily Cash Back**: Receive 3% Daily Cash back on qualifying rentals when booked with Apple Pay at participating Hertz locations.
– **Complimentary Emergency Roadside Service**: Benefit from worry-free complimentary roadside assistance.
– **Reduced Rate Vehicle Protection**: Add loss damage waiver vehicle coverage at a reduced cost of $16.95 per day (plus tax).
– **No-Cost Additional Driver**: Add an extra driver for free upon pickup.
– **Discounts on Pay Later Rates**: Get at least 5% off Pay Later base rates for rentals.

#### Broadened 3% Daily Cash Earning Opportunities

With the incorporation of Hertz, Apple Card users can now earn 3% Daily Cash at various other popular retailers, including:

– Apple
– Ace Hardware
– Booking.com
– Chargepoint
– Exxon
– Mobil
– Nike
– Uber
– Uber Eats
– Walgreens

#### Daily Cash Earning Framework

Every purchase made with Apple Card using Apple Pay earns 2% back, while transactions with the physical card yield 1% back. This structure encourages users to utilize Apple Pay to maximize rewards.

#### Instant Access to Daily Cash

A standout feature of Apple Card’s Daily Cash is that it becomes accessible immediately upon transaction posting to your account. Users can choose to save it to their Apple Cash balance, transfer it to their Apple Card Savings Account, or apply it as a statement credit to lower their balance.

#### Final Thoughts

The new alliance between Apple Card and Hertz not only boosts the rewards for cardholders but also offers additional services that can enhance the convenience and affordability of car rentals. As Apple continues to expand its offerings, users are encouraged to make the most of these benefits and share their experiences.

Apple Watch Contest Planned for Veterans Day on November 11

### Apple Watch Fitness Challenge: Veterans Day 2025

The forthcoming Apple Watch fitness challenge is set for Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11th, 2025. These challenges aim to raise awareness of fitness functionalities and promote healthy lifestyles while celebrating important holidays and events.

Participants in the challenge have the opportunity to earn virtual rewards within the Fitness app on their iPhones, along with exclusive animated sticker packs for use in iMessage and FaceTime. This initiative not only inspires users to remain active but also cultivates a sense of community among Apple Watch owners.

For this year’s challenge, the criteria stay the same as in previous years: participants are required to complete any workout of at least 11 minutes on November 11. Users can monitor their workouts using the Workout app or any compatible application that works with Health.

Veterans Day acts as a day of appreciation for Americans who have served in the military, making it a significant time for this fitness challenge. Apple Watch fitness challenges are compatible with Apple’s Workout app and various third-party apps that record workout data into the Fitness/Health apps on the iPhone. Users will receive official notifications a few days ahead of the challenge, ensuring they are ready to join in.

In conclusion, the Veterans Day Apple Watch fitness challenge not only promotes physical activity but also pays tribute to those who have served, making it a meaningful occasion for both fitness lovers and veterans alike.

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?