21:43 17-12-2025

iOS 26.2: alarms in Reminders, Lock Screen tweaks, security

Apple’s iOS 26.2 refines daily use with urgent Reminders alarms, a Liquid Lock Screen, stronger AirDrop protection, watchOS sleep scoring, and security fixes.

Apple has unveiled iOS 26.2—an update that doesn’t chase a splashy overhaul but carefully refines the experience. The company leans into everyday scenarios, more flexible visuals, and tighter data protection, while also rolling out region‑specific tweaks, according to PEPELAC.NEWS.

Reminders with alarm-style urgency

One of the most noticeable changes lands in the Reminders app. Individual tasks can now be marked as urgent and behave like a true alarm. Such alerts are highlighted in blue and let you stop or snooze right away. If you postpone, the Lock Screen shows a Live Activity with a countdown and quick actions. Apple draws attention to the feature with a welcome screen and an in‑app banner.

A new visual accent on the Lock Screen

The Lock Screen gains the Liquid Glass slider, which fine‑tunes the clock’s look—from almost transparent to a more matte style. Those who prefer the classic opaque option can keep it and pick a color scheme. In Tinted mode, the system automatically balances transparency and contrast, removing the need for manual tweaks that used to be required.

Stronger AirDrop protection

Security steps up in AirDrop when interacting with unknown contacts. File transfers now require an extra check: the recipient generates a special code that must be entered on the sender’s device. The code remains valid for up to 30 days, and you can manage trusted contacts in Settings. This approach curbs the risk of unwanted transfers.

More realistic sleep scoring in watchOS

watchOS 26.2 adjusts sleep scoring to feel closer to real‑world well‑being. The final score now factors in sleep duration, bedtime, and nighttime awakenings, offering a more complete view of rest quality rather than a single blunt metric.

Updates to built-in apps

Several system apps see thoughtful upgrades. Podcasts adds automatically generated chapters and quicker access to mentions of other shows and to links discussed in an episode. Freeform now supports tables with adaptive cells. The Passwords app introduces a setting to manage sites where saving login data is disabled. Apple News gets a visual and navigational refresh that simplifies access to categories and subscriptions.

Extras and small touches

Elsewhere, you can add multiple accessories at once in the Home app. There’s a screen flash option for notifications to assist users with specific accessibility needs. Emergency alerts expand with maps and recommendations. The level tool inside the Measure app has a refreshed look. And the Games app gains new sorting options, controller support, and live updates for challenge results.

Regional specifics

Some changes respond to local regulations. In the European Union, live translation via AirPods becomes available. In Japan, users can choose a search engine at first iPhone setup, install alternative app stores, and, over time, may be able to use voice assistants other than Siri.

Security fixes and availability

iOS 26.2 addresses more than twenty vulnerabilities, including two WebKit issues already exploited in the wild that could lead to malicious code execution. Apple advises updating promptly, as disclosed flaws tend to invite attacks. iOS 26.2 is available for all iPhones that support iOS 26, and the first beta of iOS 26.3 could follow soon.