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iOS 26.2 Brings Upgrades for Liquid Glass, AirDrop, and Apple Music

The latest iOS update means more ways to enable Liquid Glass, new security features for AirDrop file sharing, and new ways to keep on top of your Reminders.

 & Will McCurdy Contributor

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Apple has now rolled out iOS 26.2, bringing a few helpful—if small—new features for iPhone 11 or 2nd-generation iPhone SE and later users, MacRumors reports.

If you enjoyed the Liquid Glass feature Apple added in iOS 26.1, it’s now also being added to the Lock Screen. You can now use a slider inside your Lock Screen options to make the clock more or less transparent, while you can also still opt for a completely solid clock. In contrast, iOS 26.1 only made it possible to make your Liquid Glass material either Clear or Tinted. Liquid Glass is also being incorporated into other parts of the OS, including the Measure app, Apple's free ruler-like measuring tool.

If you're the forgetful type, the Reminders tab now has an option to add an alarm for when the reminder is due. You’ll need to toggle the Urgent option when setting up the reminder to create the alarm. If you choose to snooze the reminder, it will show a Live Activity countdown on the Lock Screen that includes an option to complete the reminder or reschedule it.

The update adds a new layer of verification when you're using AirDrop with unknown contacts, allowing you to share files more securely. Apple has introduced an option to generate an AirDrop code on the device you want to share a file with. This code can then be entered on your device to complete the transfer. These codes allow AirDrop to work between the two devices for 30 days before automatically deactivating.

Apple Music is also getting a few helpful updates if it’s something you regularly use offline. You can now see the lyrics to the song you're playing when not connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.

Some of the latest updates are region specific. If you're based in the EU, the latest update also brings live translation for AirPods for the first time, something that was reportedly delayed due to concerns raised by EU regulators. Meanwhile, if you're based in the US, Apple has also introduced Enhanced Safety Alerts, which can feed you safety guidance and alerts in case your area is hit by natural disasters such as flooding or earthquakes.

Desktop Mac users and Vision Pro adopters are also getting some new features in the update. macOS Tahoe is getting Edge Light for Mac, which can transform your display into video-call-appropriate ring light simulation, making up for poor lighting in the home office. Meanwhile, visionOS 26.2 has also rolled out support for more accessories including the Logitech Muse, a digital pencil that allows you to illustrate while using your Vision Pro, as well as new Travel Mode features.

About Our Expert

Will McCurdy

Will McCurdy

Contributor

I’m a reporter covering weekend news. Before joining PCMag in 2024, I picked up bylines in BBC News, The Guardian, The Times of London, The Daily Beast, Vice, Slate, Fast Company, The Evening Standard, The i, TechRadar, and Decrypt Media.

I’ve been a PC gamer since you had to install games from multiple CD-ROMs by hand. As a reporter, I’m passionate about the intersection of tech and human lives. I’ve covered everything from crypto scandals to the art world, as well as conspiracy theories, UK politics, and Russia and foreign affairs.

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