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Latest Enhancements and Modifications in iOS 26.2 Beta 1

# iOS 26.2 Beta 1: What’s New

iOS 26.2 beta 1 has arrived, introducing an array of changes and enhancements to iPhone software. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the main updates featured in this pre-release version.

## Sleep Score Changes

Apple has overhauled the Sleep Score functionality in its sleep tracking system. The top tier, formerly known as “Excellent,” has now been updated to “Very High.” Moreover, the thresholds for each category have been modified based on user insights, which suggested that the earlier scoring system was excessively broad and too optimistic.

[Read more about the change here.](https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/04/watchos-26-2-sleep-score-changes-apple-watch/)

## Apple Podcasts App Enhancements

Significant improvements have been made to the Apple Podcasts app through the adoption of AI technology. With iOS 26.2, the application can now autonomously create chapters, link to cited podcasts, and assemble show links, thus enriching the overall user experience.

[Read more about the updates here.](https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/04/ios-26-2-includes-three-helpful-upgrades-to-apple-podcasts-app/)

## Apple News Design

Following the substantial redesign of iOS 26, iOS 26.2 further enhances the Apple News app. Users will now discover quick links to trending sections, making navigation more straightforward and efficient.

[Read more about the design change here.](https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/04/ios-26-2s-apple-news-app-has-a-new-and-improved-design/)

## AirPods Live Translation in EU

Apple has revealed that the Live Translation feature for AirPods will launch in European Union countries starting in December. This rollout is anticipated to align with the official launch of iOS 26.2.

[Read more about the rollout plans here.](https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/04/airpods-live-translation-feature-coming-to-the-eu-next-month/)

## Liquid Glass Lock Screen Slider

An innovative Liquid Glass slider has been introduced, allowing users to modify the translucency of the Lock Screen clock. This feature is now compatible with all font styles, offering a more customized appearance.

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.

Apple News App in iOS 26.2 Showcases Improved Design and User Interaction

Apple has unveiled the inaugural beta iteration of iOS 26.2, showcasing notable design enhancements to the News app to elevate user experience. This update illustrates the app’s transformation from a basic news aggregator into a versatile platform that encompasses a variety of features, including daily puzzles, culinary recipes, and specialized areas for sports and politics.

### Key Features of the iOS 26.2 News Update

Among the most significant alterations in the iOS 26.2 beta 1 are the addition of four new quick links situated at the top of the Today screen, which include:

– **Sports**
– **Puzzles**
– **Politics**
– **Food**

These quick links offer immediate access to their corresponding sections, simplifying navigation and minimizing the number of taps required to access popular content.

In a thoughtful redesign, the Sports segment has been relocated from the bottom tab bar to the new top menu row, facilitating the introduction of a new ‘Following’ navigation tab. This tab merges features that were formerly available through the Search button, delivering a more structured and intuitive browsing experience.

When users select Search, they will now see search suggestions akin to those available in other Apple services, such as Music and TV, simplifying the process of discovering content suited to their interests.

### Overall Impact

Although the core appearance of the News app remains mostly untouched, the enhancements to navigation and the accessibility of favored features signify a considerable upgrade for frequent users. The design modifications aim to boost user engagement by facilitating the discovery and enjoyment of a broader range of content.

As users navigate the new features, feedback regarding the design changes is welcomed, underscoring the continuous progression of the Apple News app in alignment with user requirements and preferences.

AirPods Set to Launch Live Translation Functionality in the EU Next Month

**Apple’s Live Translation Capability for AirPods Poised to Debut in the EU**

Following delays linked to regulatory ambiguities regarding the Digital Market Act, Apple has officially revealed that its groundbreaking Live Translation capability for AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 featuring Active Noise Cancellation will be accessible in the European Union starting next month.

### Prerequisites for Live Translation

To leverage the Live Translation capability, users must have compatible AirPods synced with an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, specifically the iPhone 15 Pro or later models. This feature is anticipated to be part of the upcoming iOS 26.2 update, which has recently been rolled out to developer beta channels.

### Language Support

Live Translation will encompass several commonly spoken foreign languages, including:

– French
– German
– Portuguese
– Spanish
– Italian
– Japanese
– Korean
– Chinese

### Functionality

Live Translation is a free software enhancement for compatible devices in eligible areas. Users will be notified of access to this feature when a new ‘Live’ tab emerges in the Translate app on their connected iPhone.

When utilizing AirPods, users can partake in discussions with speakers of different languages and perceive the translated dialogue directly in their ears. Furthermore, the iPhone’s Translate app will generate a transcript of the discussion, enabling users to reply in English while the other person can view the translated text on the display.

### Initiation and Efficiency

The Live Translation mode can be activated by pressing both AirPods at once or by starting a conversation via the Translate app on the connected iPhone.

While the idea of Live Translation is encouraging, users might notice a minor lag between the spoken words and the translated output. Although it might not be as fluid as one would hope, it serves as a valuable tool for communication in multilingual environments. Soon, EU residents will have the chance to benefit from this feature, enriching their conversational experiences across linguistic boundaries.

9to5Mac Daily: iOS 26.1 Launched on November 4, 2025

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Daily Source for Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping up with current news is vital, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily offers a simple way to stay informed on the most significant stories concerning Apple and its ecosystem. This enlightening podcast aims to provide daily summaries of key events, making sure that listeners are well-acquainted with the latest advancements.

**Podcast Availability**

9to5Mac Daily is available on multiple platforms, allowing users to enjoy it on their preferred devices. The podcast can be located on:

– [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080)
– [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily)
– [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/)
– [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily)
–

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?

New Report: Budget-Friendly MacBook Incorporating iPhone Chip Anticipated in 2026

Apple’s speculated lower-cost MacBook fueled by an iPhone chip is back in the spotlight. A recent report supports another assertion that Apple intends to launch a more budget-friendly MacBook. This device is expected to operate on an A-series processor.

## Most affordable Mac laptop

We initially caught wind of the speculated entry-level MacBook during the summer. Supply chain expert Ming-Chi Kuo indicated that a MacBook utilizing an A18 Pro chip was in development. Kuo noted that production would commence in late 2025 or early 2026.

Now, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has reported on the affordable laptop for the first time. Gurman specifically mentions that the notebook has the code name J700 and will retail for significantly less than $1000.

> Code-named J700, this device is presently undergoing active testing at Apple and is in early production with foreign suppliers. The Cupertino, California-based firm plans to unveil it in the first half of the coming year, according to sources who wished to remain anonymous due to the product not being formally announced.

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.

Apple Unveils First Beta Release of iOS 26.2 for iPhone Users

Apple has rolled out the initial developer beta of iOS 26.2, merely a day following the official launch of iOS 26.1. This updated beta version is targeted at developers who will experiment with and provide feedback on the forthcoming features and enhancements.

iOS 26.1 brought forth several significant modifications, including a Liquid Glass visual preference and improved language support for Apple Intelligence and AirPods Live Translation. These enhancements illustrate Apple’s persistent dedication to advancing user experience and accessibility across its devices.

As users anticipate delving into iOS 26.2, one assured modification is a change to the Sleep Score feature. Both iOS 26.2 and watchOS 26.2 will experience alterations in the scoring range and classifications informed by user feedback, showcasing Apple’s attentiveness to user insights.

At present, iOS 26.2 is accessible as a developer beta, with a public beta likely to arrive shortly. The final version is expected to debut before the year’s end, enabling all users to take advantage of the new features and improvements. As the beta testing evolves, additional updates and modifications will probably be disclosed, keeping the Apple community engaged and updated.

Availability of watchOS 26.2 Beta 1 and Additional Apple Beta Releases

Apple has recently embarked on a new stage of beta software launches, unveiling beta 1 for watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2, visionOS 26.2, and more, specifically aimed at developers. This release follows the company’s earlier updates, prominently marked by the launch of iOS 26.1.

The debut of beta 1 versions for these operating systems is noteworthy as it signifies the commencement of a testing stage that generally precedes a public launch. Traditionally, Apple tends to issue its initial x.2 betas sooner than typical, with past years exhibiting comparable trends. For example, last year’s betas were released on October 23.

The timing of these updates is vital, particularly with the impending holiday season, which imposes a tighter timeline for Apple to complete and deliver its x.2 updates. The company usually aims to finalize these updates by mid-December, ahead of an extended break for its employees. This schedule implies that the upcoming updates may present fewer new features compared to earlier releases, as the restricted beta testing duration allows for less comprehensive development.

Despite the likelihood of fewer new functionalities, the minor updates in watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS 26.1 may suggest that some more notable changes could be incorporated into the 26.2 updates, as they could have been in the works prior to this beta launch.

Apple users who are keen to delve into the new beta versions are urged to install beta 1 for watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.2, or other updates and to share their observations regarding any new features or modifications they discover.

In addition to software enhancements, Apple fans might also be keen on discovering the top accessories for the Apple Watch and Apple TV 4K, enriching their overall experience with these devices.