iOS 26.2 Coming in December: Apple is gearing up to release iOS 26.2 in mid-December, and although the update is currently in the testing phase, early reports suggest it will bring several useful upgrades for iPhone users worldwide. According to information shared by MacRumors, some of the biggest changes are targeted at users in Japan, but many new features and refinements are expected to roll out globally. Here’s a complete look at what Apple is preparing for its next iOS update.
Reminders App Gets Alarm-Style Alerts for the First Time: iOS 26.2 Coming in December
One of the most exciting changes coming with iOS 26.2 is a major upgrade to the Reminders app — something many users have been requesting for years.
Apple is reportedly adding alarm-like alerts, making reminders behave more like the Clock app. When creating a reminder, users will see a new “Urgent” toggle, which activates this upgraded alert mode.
Here’s how it will work:
- When a reminder goes off, the alert appears just like a traditional alarm.
- Users will see Snooze or Stop options directly on the screen.
- Snoozed reminders will display a countdown on the Lock Screen, ensuring you never forget an important task.
- These new alerts also feature a unique blue colour, helping users visually distinguish them from regular notifications.
After updating, Apple will reportedly show a splash screen introducing the feature, along with a banner inside the Reminders app to explain how it works.
This marks one of the most important improvements to Reminders in years and makes the app far more practical for time-sensitive tasks.
More Lock Screen Customisation With ‘Liquid Glass’
iOS 26.2 is also expected to expand Lock Screen personalisation options — something Apple users love experimenting with. A new Liquid Glass slider for the clock is reportedly coming to the Lock Screen’s Clock Customisation menu.
If you’re using the Glass style, you will now be able to:
- Adjust transparency from nearly invisible to a more frosted effect
- Choose between Solid or Tinted styles
- Continue using colour customisation options
This gives users more control over the clock’s look and makes the Lock Screen feel more polished and personal.
Tinted Mode Limitations
The new Tinted option under Liquid Glass does have some restrictions. According to early testing notes:
- Tinted mode will not work with Reduce Transparency or Increase Contrast (both found in Accessibility settings).
- Turning on Tinted mode will automatically disable those settings.
- In previous test builds, users had to disable them manually.
This means users who rely on accessibility features may need to choose between enhanced visibility and aesthetic customisation.
AirDrop Gets One-Time Codes for Temporary Sharing
AirDrop is getting a powerful new privacy-focused improvement: single-use AirDrop codes.
This allows users to share files with someone who is not in their contacts, without sharing personal details. Here’s how it’s expected to work:
- You generate a temporary AirDrop code for someone.
- They can use it to receive files from you for up to 30 days.
- You can review or revoke access anytime via:
Settings → General → AirDrop → Manage Known AirDrop Contacts
This feature should be especially useful in situations like exchanging files with shop owners, event staff, classmates, or new colleagues — without adding them to your permanent contacts.
Also read; ✨ Blinding Brilliance? Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Displays Reportedly Aiming for Record Brightness!
Apple Music to Finally Support Offline Lyrics
A small but very welcome improvement: Apple Music may soon allow users to view lyrics even when offline.
This would be particularly helpful during:
- Flights
- Train journeys
- Poor network coverage
- Travel in remote locations
For subscribers, this could be one of the most impactful quality-of-life additions in the update.
Podcasts App Gets Smart Chapters & Better Discovery Tools
Apple is also upgrading the Podcasts app with several improvements designed to make listening and discovery smoother.
Expected changes include:
- Auto-generated chapters for easier navigation
- Ability to find references to other shows directly from the transcript and player
- A new section on episode pages listing all links mentioned in the programme
These additions will make podcasts easier to follow and allow listeners to interact with content more effectively.
The Bottom Line
While iOS 26.2 may not be a massive overhaul, it brings several meaningful upgrades — from smarter Reminders and Lock Screen tweaks to improved AirDrop privacy and offline lyrics in Apple Music. With testing underway and a mid-December rollout expected, iPhone users won’t have to wait long to try out these new features.