Apple has released iOS 26.2 beta 1, introducing several new features that enhance personalisation, productivity, and accessibility across iPhones. The update includes lock screen customisation for the Liquid Glass design, alarm support in the Reminders app, and live translation on AirPods for EU users. The public release of iOS 26.2 is expected in December.
iOS 26.2 beta 1 added a Liquid Glass slider for the lock screen clock pic.twitter.com/cZzS2vWbwi
— Wazeen (@wzeeeeen) November 5, 2025
Lock Screen Customisation Gets a Boost
The update expands the Liquid Glass interface, giving users new control over the appearance of the Lock Screen clock. A new opacity slider lets you adjust the transparency of the clock — from nearly invisible to a bold, frosted appearance.
For those who prefer a classic layout, Apple has also included an option to disable Liquid Glass entirely, offering a cleaner Lock Screen experience.
Are there any more Sliding UI in iOS? pic.twitter.com/NI0QhUqQAz
— JM (@JohnnyMorlin) November 12, 2025
Set Alarms Within Reminders
One of the most-requested features is finally arriving: users can now set alarms directly from the Reminders app. When you create a reminder and assign a time, toggling the “Urgent” option will trigger an audible alarm at that moment.
The feature bridges the gap between the Reminders and Clock apps, making it easier to stay organised and on schedule.
Live Translation Expands to the EU
Apple is also expanding its live translation feature on AirPods to users across the European Union. This allows Siri to instantly translate spoken language into the user’s preferred language through AirPods.
The feature launched initially in the U.S. with iOS 26, but its European rollout was delayed as Apple ensured compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Upgrades to Apple News, Podcasts, and Music
The iOS 26.2 beta also introduces improvements across Apple’s media ecosystem:
- Apple News adds a new “Following” tab to the bottom navigation bar, consolidating favourites, saved stories and history. Quick-access buttons for topics like Food, Politics, Puzzles, and Sports are also included.
- Apple Podcasts gains AI-generated chapters and a new Podcast Mentions feature that automatically links other shows mentioned during an episode.
- Apple Music now supports offline lyrics, allowing users to view synced lyrics even without Wi-Fi or cellular access.
- Accessibility upgrades include an option to make the iPhone flash when notifications arrive, located under Settings → Accessibility.
A Refined Step Toward iOS 27
While iOS 26.2 isn’t a significant overhaul, it continues Apple’s trend of incremental innovation, improving personalisation, intelligence, and accessibility ahead of what’s expected to be a larger redesign in iOS 27 next year.
