Apple releases iOS 26.2 Beta 3 for developers

Apple has rolled out the third developer beta of iOS 26.2, bringing several notable updates. Here is what’s new and who can try it right now.

• One of the key additions is a new way to share files via AirDrop with people who are not in your contacts for up to 30 days. The system now allows you to generate a one-time password and share it with someone else, removing the need to repeatedly enable AirDrop manually.

• In iPadOS 26.2 Beta 3, users can now launch apps in Slide Over directly from the App Library, the Dock or Spotlight.

• Japan is receiving another region-specific change. Due to local regulations, Apple has introduced an option to switch the default voice assistant. At the moment a long press of the Side button always triggers Siri, but the beta adds alternative options. It is still unclear whether this feature will expand to other markets.
• If the accessibility options Reduce Transparency and Increase Contrast are enabled, the system will prevent users from activating the Transparent mode in Liquid Glass settings and will prompt them to disable those features first.

• Reminders now includes a brief hint highlighting that alarms can be assigned to important tasks. The capability itself is not new — it first appeared in iOS 26.2 Beta 1.

• Health data related to hypertension is now accessible to third-party developers via API.

Developers can install iOS 26.2 beta on any device that supports iOS 26. The update can be found under Settings → General → Software Update by selecting the developer beta channel. An Apple ID registered to a developer account is required.

However, Apple cautions that developer betas are not intended for everyday use. They may introduce bugs and are likely to drain the battery more quickly than stable versions.