iOS 26.2 RC brings major tweaks to Sleep Score and Lock Screen
Apple has rolled out the iOS 26.2 RC for iPhone users worldwide. The release candidate arrives as an over-the-air update and sets the stage for the public launch expected later this month. The update focuses on fine tuning, fresh design touches, and deeper AI integration.
Sleep Score gets recalibrated after user feedback
Apple has reshaped the entire Sleep Score system. The top rating now shifts from “Excellent” to “Very High”. Apple has also recalibrated thresholds across all categories. Users had called the earlier scoring too generous, and the company now promises more realistic insights. These changes aim to make sleep tracking feel more accurate and useful.
Podcasts gain automatic AI chapters and smarter links
The Apple Podcasts app receives a meaningful upgrade through AI. It now auto-generates episode chapters and links to mentioned shows. Moreover, it organizes related content for easier discovery. These features help listeners jump to key moments faster and navigate their library with less effort.
Apple News gets a cleaner layout with quicker access
Apple continues refining the Apple News interface. The RC brings a more polished layout with easy access to popular sections. This update keeps the app aligned with Apple’s ongoing design refresh across iOS 26.
Liquid Glass slider adds precision to the Lock Screen
The standout visual upgrade arrives through the new Liquid Glass Lock Screen slider. It offers more precise control over clock translucency across all fonts. Because of this, users can tune their Lock Screen exactly the way they want, with smoother gradients and better clarity.
More upgrades: AirPods, Reminders, CarPlay, and Measure
The update expands AirPods Live Translation to EU countries, bringing real-time translation to more users.
The Reminders app can now trigger alarms and timers for urgent tasks. These alerts bypass Focus modes, ensuring important reminders break through.
CarPlay adds an option to disable pinned conversations in Messages.
Meanwhile, the Measure app introduces a fresh level tool inspired by Liquid Glass design.
iOS 26.2 release expected soon
Apple is expected to roll out iOS 26.2 to all supported iPhones later this month. More changes may appear before the final launch, and early testers are already sharing findings as the RC hits devices.
