Apple has officially released iOS 26.2 Beta 3, bringing a fresh wave of features, UI refinements, security updates, and region-specific changes to the iPhone. It is now available to registered developers and continues Apple’s focus on privacy, AirDrop improvements, health features, and user interface enhancements.
If you’re wondering what’s new in iOS 26.2 Beta 3, this article covers all confirmed features, hidden changes, UI tweaks, known issues, and what you can expect when the update finally rolls out to the public.
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What’s New in iOS 26.2 Beta 3
Below is a complete list of confirmed new features and improvements introduced in this release.
1. One-Time AirDrop Code (30-Day Validity)
One of the most useful additions is the new One-Time AirDrop Code feature, found under: Settings → General → AirDrop → Manage Known AirDrop Contacts
This feature allows you to share a one-time code with someone so they can automatically appear in your AirDrop list for the next 30 days—no need to exchange contacts or temporarily enable “Everyone for 10 Minutes.”
This acts as a new middle option between:
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Contacts Only
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Everyone for 10 Minutes
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One-Time Code (New)
This is expected to significantly improve AirDrop usability in workplaces, schools, and events.
2. New Hypertension Notifications API
iOS 26.2 introduces a new Hypertension Notifications API, which lets approved health apps access high blood pressure alerts from Apple Watch.
This means third-party apps can now:
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Provide clearer health dashboards
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Offer more accurate blood pressure tracking
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Sync data more smoothly with medical or clinic apps
Overall, it’s one of the most important Apple Health upgrades in this update.
3. Japan Can Replace Siri With Third-Party Voice Assistants
A major region-specific change: iPhone users in Japan can now replace Siri with a third-party voice assistant.
Supported assistants may include:
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Google Gemini
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Amazon Alexa
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LINE Clova
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Other local voice services
This feature gives users full control over which assistant activates when pressing the side button, a first in iOS history.
It is unclear whether other regions will receive this option later.
4. New “Urgent” Alerts for Reminders
iOS 26.2 adds a new Urgent option in the Reminders app.
When you mark a reminder as urgent, it will:
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Trigger a louder, more noticeable alert
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Override Focus Modes
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Make sure you don’t miss important tasks
It’s designed for things that need immediate attention, like work deadlines or medication reminders.
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5. Updated “Liquid Glass” Visuals in the Measure App
The Measure app’s Level tool has been redesigned with updated “Liquid Glass” effects.
New improvements include:
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Better readability for angle values
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Refined animation
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More realistic glass depth and motion
This is part of Apple’s ongoing effort to give system UI a more fluid, tactile feel.
6. Improvements to the Games App
The Games app—which centralizes Apple Arcade and cloud gaming—gets several quality-of-life upgrades:
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New filtering and sorting options
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Smoother controller navigation
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Real-time score updates
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UI refinements and faster loading
Gamers will enjoy a more responsive and organized interface.
7. CarPlay: Option to Disable Pinned Conversations
Users can now disable Pinned Conversations in CarPlay Messaging settings.
This reduces on-screen clutter and keeps the interface focused on the most recent messages when driving.
8. Sleep Score Adjustment in Health App
Sleep tracking receives a subtle but important change:
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“Excellent” sleep score is now renamed “Very High”
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Thresholds for sleep score categories have been updated
This makes the rating system more accurate and realistic.
Should You Install iOS 26.2 Beta 3?
Install if you are:
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A developer needing to test apps
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A tech enthusiast who accepts bugs
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Someone excited for AirDrop one-time codes or Reminders upgrades
Wait for public release if you:
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Use your iPhone as your main device
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Rely on CarPlay daily
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Want full stability and battery life
Most users should wait for the stable version expected in December 2025.
iOS 26.2 Beta 3: Final Thoughts
iOS 26.2 Beta 3 is a solid mid-cycle update that brings practical improvements rather than major changes. It introduces useful upgrades like the new AirDrop one-time code, better health tracking tools, improved Reminders alerts, and smoother interface animations. Apple is clearly focusing on usability, privacy, and regional customization. With the official release coming soon, iOS 26.2 is shaping up to be one of the most polished and meaningful updates of the year.
