iOS 26.2 beta 3 has appeared for iPhone users registered on the developer beta track, and it's brought with it a couple of small changes with big potential impact.
Firstly, (as seen by AppleInsider), the new iOS 26.2 beta introduces a new temporary usage code for sharing with AirDrop. First appearing in a non-functional form in the second beta, giving out one of these codes to another iPhone user gives them 30 days of connectivity during which they can send files to you, after which access is automatically removed.
How much this will benefit you will depend on how often you find yourself trying to trade files or contact details with strangers, or at least people not in your contacts. Using a time-limited code like this is arguably safer than opening your AirDrop to all nearby users, even when accounting for the 10-minute time limit.
Siri becomes optional (for some)
A smaller-scale part of the beta update, but one with potentially huge implications, is the new ability to set a digital assistant other than Siri as the phone's default. This gives your preferred assistant access to the power button press-and-hold shortcut, according to the code found by deep-diving users (via MacRumors). But how far the integration extends beyond that for third-party assistants isn't clear.
Note: "%@" appears to be a placeholder, referring to a selected app.
- Press and Hold to Speak is not available while the Side Button is assigned to %@.
- Side Button Settings
- Select Another Default Side Button App
- The default Side Button app cannot be hidden. You can change your default apps in Settings.
- The default Side Button app cannot be locked. You can change your default apps in Settings.
- %@ is no longer eligible for use with the Side Button. Contact the app developer for more information.
- %@ is not available for use with the Side Button in your region.
Unfortunately, this feature is currently exclusive to Japan. But it stands to reason that iPhone users in the EU could get this feature at some point, too. We have seen previous rumors to this effect, plus Apple already opens up its ecosystem more in Europe than anywhere else due to local laws, just like the one Japan passed earlier this year that required Apple to make this change.
Japanese iPhone users also have the benefit of third-party marketplace support in this update, something that EU users gained access to last year. It suggests that Apple feels that both sets of legislation require similar treatment.
Apple used to insist on users keeping all the pre-installed iPhone apps as their defaults. But this began to change with iOS 14 back in 2020, where users could then pick new default browsers and email apps. iOS 18.2 in 2024 expanded this to calls and messaging apps, mapping apps and more. Given this precedent, perhaps other regions will be given the option of substituting Siri for a different assistant in time.
Apple has added further minor updates to the iOS 16.2 beta, including an adjustment to the Liquid Glass design of the Measure app. These join the changes we saw in iOS 26.2 dev beta 2, such as a new system for measuring Sleep Score with an Apple Watch, Liquid Glass adjustments for the Lock Screen and settings in the Passwords app to change which sites bug you to save your login details.
We expect the iOS 26.2 update to go live in December, just before the holidays begin, going by Apple's usual release patterns. So don't worry if you're not comfortable using beta software on your device — all of these changes should be on your iPhone soon.
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