Apple has rolled out the third beta of iOS 26.2, and while most of the updates are on the smaller side, there’s one standout feature that many people will appreciate.
A Smarter, Safer Way to Share with AirDrop
As spotted by MacRumors, Apple is making AirDrop far more flexible. You can now share files with someone without adding them as a contact or switching your AirDrop setting to everyone nearby. Instead, you can create a code that you share with the other person, and once they have it, both of you can exchange files for up to 30 days. This even works if your AirDrop is set to contacts only.
If you want to end that access early, or just view who you’ve shared codes with, you can head to Settings > General > AirDrop > Manage Known AirDrop Contacts.
Smaller Tweaks You Might Notice
The rest of the changes in this beta are more subtle but still useful. Third-party medical apps can now access hypertension notifications from the Apple Watch, giving them more ways to support health features. Apple has also adjusted the design of the Level tool in the Measure app again, after giving it a Liquid Glass look in the previous beta.
Some updates simply clarify features that arrived earlier. For instance, the Reminders app now includes text explaining that you can add an alarm to a reminder when it’s marked as urgent. This ability was added in a prior beta.
You’ll also see a new warning in the Liquid Glass settings letting you know that the Tinted option won’t work with the Reduce Transparency or Increase Contrast accessibility settings.
A New Voice Assistant, But Only in Japan
There’s another interesting addition that could have been a major headline, except that it’s currently meant only for users in Japan. Signs in this beta suggest that people in Japan will soon be able to switch their default voice assistant to something other than Siri, activated by a long press of the side button.
It’s unclear why this feature would be limited to Japan for now, but if Apple eventually brings it to more countries, it could be a big change for users who want an alternative to Siri.
Should You Download the iOS 26.2 Beta 3?
Just like with earlier iOS 26.2 betas, downloading this version isn’t something most people should rush into, especially since the final release is likely close. But if you enjoy trying new features as soon as possible, you can install the iOS beta now. Apple still provides instructions for anyone interested in getting early access.
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