Apple released new updates to its core operating systems today, with the 26.2 versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and visionOS available now.
As expected, the iPhone update iOS 26.2 is getting the most attention. Apple’s official description of the update says it offers “enhancements to Apple Music, Podcasts, and Games, as well as other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your iPhone.”
How to update to iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, macOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2, and visionOS 26.2
Apple makes this process pretty simple; if you have automatic updates enabled, your device may already be updated to the new OS.
To manually update, go to your device’s settings, tap or click on “General,” and then “Software Update.” From there, you’ll see options to update immediately or later in the evening while you’re asleep.
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What’s new with iOS 26.2?
The beta of this update has been available since November, so there may not be surprises if you follow all of the latest beta developments and bug fixes. But if you don’t (and why would you?), here are the key updates:
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Your “Favorite Songs” playlist will appear in “Top Picks” on the Apple Music home tab
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Offline lyrics will be available for downloaded songs in Apple Music
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Automatically generated chapters make it easier to navigate episodes in Podcasts
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New filters in the Games library
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Improved support for third-party mobile controllers
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New Lock Screen customization options, including more or less opacity for Liquid Glass
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Enhanced safety alerts
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AirDrop verification codes when connecting with unknown contacts
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New navigation options in Apple News
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A new accessibility setting that makes the screen flash when you receive a notification
What’s new with iPadOS 26.2?
The release notes for iPadOS 26.2 highlight 17 changes and bug fixes. The update “enhances the new windowing system introduced in iPadOS 26 with familiar drag and drop gestures for tiling app windows and creating a Slide Over window,” as well as enhancements to Apple Music, Podcasts, and Games, and essential security updates.
Most of the key changes are the same as with iOS:
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Multitasking gestures to quickly tile windows or place an app in Slide Over by dragging app icons from the Dock
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New drag and drop gestures for the iPad windowing system
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Your “Favorite Songs” playlist will appear in “Top Picks” on the Apple Music home tab
-
Offline lyrics will be available for downloaded songs in Apple Music
-
Automatically generated chapters make it easier to navigate episodes in Podcasts
-
New filters in the Games library
-
Improved support for third-party mobile controllers
-
New Lock Screen customization options, including more or less opacity for Liquid Glass
What’s new with macOS 26.2?
The new Edge Light feature in macOS 26.2.
Credit: Apple
MacOS introduces one of the most notable changes with this round of updates — a new video calling feature called Edge Light.
“Edge Light simulates a ring light by illuminating the borders of your screen, providing a pleasing fill light when you make a video call in low light. And to ensure that you always have access to your content, the effect automatically recedes from the area around your mouse pointer…Edge Light works best in low-light conditions, such as dim indoor lighting at night. You can combine it with any of the other effects.”
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