Apple continues to test the next iPhone software update with iOS 26.2 beta 3 released today. The pre-release iPhone software update includes a surprising amount of changes and refinements. Here’s everything new so far:
AirDrop codes
As we’ve been reporting, Apple is developing a new AirDrop capability that allows users to AirDrop between devices without being saved contacts for 30 days. iOS 26.2 beta 3 is the first version to reveal early signs of the feature in the AirDrop section of Settings.
Read more about the upcoming AirDrop codes feature here.
Liquid Glass Level
Last week, Apple introduced an all-new Liquid Glass-inspired Level design inside the Measure app in iOS 26.2 beta 2. In iOS 26.2 beta 3, Apple has further refined the design to avoid obscuring what numbers are shown in certain situations.
Read more about the new design here.
iPadOS Split View and Slide Over
Apple brought back Slide Over in iPadOS 26.1, and now Apple is improving another multitasking feature that was left behind from iOS 18. Starting with iPadOS 26.2 beta 3, you can now drag an app icon out of the Dock to enter Slide Over or Split View during multitasking.
Read more about the multitasking changes here.
Default voice assistant code
Leaked code shows signs that Apple is developing the ability to replace invoking Siri as the default action that occurs when holding the side button. This will only be offered in Japan as a regulatory requirement.
Read more about the leaked code references here.
Today’s changes are in addition to what we’ve seen in iOS 26.2 beta 1 and 2.
Games app navigation
Games app adds sorting and filtering to library, controller navigation, and score updates in real time during playback.
Measure redesign
Level inside Measure app adds Liquid Glass design.
Messages CarPlay update
Pinned conversations for Messages can now be disabled in CarPlay Settings.
More
- Animations when tapping buttons to open menus are much smoother.
Edge Light feature on macOS 26 Tahoe
Apple is introducing a new built-in feature for Mac called Edge Light. It creates a virtual ring light using your Mac’s screen to enhance lighting on video calls.
Read more about Edge Light on the Mac and how it works here.
Sleep Score changes
Apple is changing how Sleep Score works for sleep tracking. Very High replaces Excellent as the highest category, and the thresholds for each category have changed as well. This follows user feedback that criticized Sleep Score range for being too broad, and Excellent being too positive.
Read more about the change here.
