Apple has rolled out iOS 26.2 beta 1, delivering a handful of user-requested features and refinements ahead of the expected December public release. Key among them are new customization options for the iPhone’s Lock Screen clock within its Liquid Glass interface, an alarm function integrated into Reminders, and expanded live translation capabilities for EU users.
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Fine-Tuning Apple’s Evolving Design Language
The Liquid Glass aesthetic, introduced with iOS 26, continues to evolve. The latest beta introduces a slider allowing users to fine-tune the opacity of the clock on their Lock Screen. This offers greater flexibility, ranging from a near-transparent clock face to a more frosted appearance. Importantly, the option to completely disable Liquid Glass remains available for those who prefer a different visual style.
Reminders Get More Urgent: Alarms Arrive
Long requested by users, the ability to set alarms within Reminders is finally arriving with iOS 26.2. When creating a reminder, selecting a specific time and marking it as “Urgent” will trigger an alarm at that designated hour. This integration promises to be a boon for users who rely on Reminders to manage tasks and appointments effectively.
Live Translation Expands Across Europe
In keeping with Apple’s commitment to accessibility, live translation via AirPods is expanding to the European Union with iOS 26.2. After successfully launching in the U.S. and select other countries with iOS 26, this feature was delayed in the EU to ensure compliance with the region’s Digital Markets Act regulations. Now, EU users can leverage Siri-powered translation during conversations in foreign languages through their AirPods, facilitating real-time communication across linguistic barriers.
Further Enhancements Across Apple’s Ecosystem
Beyond these headline features, iOS 26.2 beta introduces several notable refinements to other apps:
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Apple News: A dedicated “Following” tab offers streamlined access to saved stories, favorites, and browsing history. New topic-based buttons for categories like Food, Politics, Puzzles, and Sports further simplify navigation within the app.
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Apple Podcasts: AI-powered chapters automatically generated for episodes will enhance listening experiences. Additionally, a “Podcast Mentions” function intelligently links referenced podcasts in episode descriptions, allowing users to effortlessly discover new audio content.
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Apple Music: Offline lyric support allows users to view song lyrics even without an internet connection, enhancing the offline music experience.
- Accessibility: A handy new option enables iPhone screens to flash when notifications arrive, aiding users with visual impairments.
iOS 26.2 beta 1 sets the stage for a December release packed with thoughtful updates aimed at improving user workflows and accessibility across Apple’s ecosystem.
