# iOS 26.2: Fresh Features and Improvements
iOS 26.2 is officially open for beta testing, unveiling an array of new features and enhancements for iPhone users. This update brings improvements to Apple Podcasts, Reminders, and additional areas. Below is a detailed overview highlighting the key features of iOS 26.2.
## New Features in iOS 26.2
### Reminders
The Reminders app has introduced a much-anticipated “Urgent” feature. This enables users to set an alarm for tasks that require immediate attention, ensuring that crucial items on your to-do list are not missed.
### Apple Music
Apple Music upgrades its lyrics capability, permitting users to view lyrics for songs in their library even without internet access. This includes complete lyrics functionalities, such as translations and beat-by-beat synchronization.
### Apple Podcasts
iOS 26.2 rolls out three major enhancements to Apple Podcasts:
1. **AI-Generated Chapters**: The app can now automatically generate chapters for podcast episodes utilizing artificial intelligence, although producers can still supply their own chapters, which will take precedence.
2. **Podcast Mentions**: Users can now view and follow mentioned podcasts directly from the player and transcript, facilitating easier access to referenced shows.
### Sleep Score
With iOS 26.2, the Sleep Score feature on the Apple Watch has been fine-tuned. The criteria for classification levels have been modified to deliver a more precise evaluation of sleep quality. The revised levels are:
– Very Low: 0-40 points
– Low: 41-60 points
– OK: 61-80 points
– High: 81-95 points
– Very High: 96-100 points
### Apple News
The News app has experienced design updates to enhance user experience. The “Today” view now includes four specific buttons for quick access to Sports, Puzzles, Politics, and Food sections. Furthermore, a new “Following” tab has been introduced for simpler navigation of favorites, saved articles, and history.
### Changes for EU Users in iOS 26.2
For users in the European Union, iOS 26.2 delivers both good and bad news. The update extends Live Translation with AirPods to EU users, a feature that was postponed due to regulatory challenges. However, it also eliminates Wi-Fi network syncing between iPhone and Apple Watch, now requiring manual sign-ins for each network.
### Liquid Glass
iOS 26.2 improves the Liquid Glass feature by incorporating a slider on the Lock Screen, allowing users to tailor the transparency of the clock. This feature provides enhanced options for personalization.
### Additional Updates
Other significant updates in iOS 26.2 comprise:
– A new “Enhanced Safety Alerts” menu for controlling earthquake and imminent threat notifications.
– Support for tables within the Freeform app.
– An “Excluded Websites” menu in the Passwords app.
– A new Accessibility option for “Flash to Alerts,” which makes the screen flash for notifications.
## Conclusion
iOS 26.2 is now accessible to developers and public beta testers, with a complete rollout anticipated in mid-December. As testing progresses, additional features may be introduced. Users are invited to share their preferred changes and experiences with the new update.
