Liquid Glass Customization, Reminders Alarms, and Smarter Features
Apple has released iOS 26.2 beta 1, offering several enhancements that improve customization, productivity, and accessibility. The update introduces deeper personalization through Liquid Glass customization, a much-requested alarm feature within the Reminders app, and the expansion of live translation for AirPods across the European Union.
The public rollout of iOS 26.2 is expected in December, with Apple testing key design and usability refinements before launch.
Liquid Glass Customization Enhances iPhone Lock Screen Design
The Liquid Glass interface, a core element of Apple’s refreshed visual design, continues to evolve. With iOS 26.2 beta, Apple now allows users to adjust the opacity of the Lock Screen clock using a slider. This setting enables users to make the clock more transparent or give it a distinct frosted look.
The update offers more control over the Lock Screen’s aesthetic appeal, ensuring that the device feels more personal. For those who prefer simplicity, Apple has also retained the option to completely disable Liquid Glass. This flexibility shows Apple’s ongoing effort to balance visual innovation with user preference.
Reminders App Now Supports Alarm Triggers
Another practical update is the addition of alarms within the Reminders app. Users can now set a reminder for a specific time and enable the “Urgent” option, which triggers an alarm at that moment.
This feature answers one of the most common user requests, enhancing productivity and time management. By integrating alarms directly into Reminders, Apple reduces reliance on multiple apps and streamlines daily planning. It’s a subtle yet significant move that reinforces Apple’s focus on seamless user experience.
Live Translation on AirPods Expands to EU Users
Apple is also extending its live translation on AirPods to the European Union with iOS 26.2. Initially rolled out in the U.S. and select markets under iOS 26, this feature allows Siri to translate spoken languages directly through AirPods.
Apple delayed its EU release to meet the region’s Digital Markets Act compliance requirements. The expansion marks a major step toward global accessibility, making cross-language communication smoother and more intuitive for EU users.
Apple News Gains a Following Tab and Smarter Navigation
The Apple News app is also getting an interface upgrade. The new “Following” tab in the bottom navigation bar collects a user’s favorites, saved stories, and reading history in one place.
Apple is also introducing quick-access buttons to streamline topic discovery, including categories such as Food, Politics, Puzzles, and Sports. This enhancement simplifies navigation while giving readers faster access to their preferred content.
AI Upgrades Arrive in Apple Podcasts
The Apple Podcasts app gains an AI boost with automatically generated chapters for each episode. This makes it easier for listeners to skip to relevant segments.
Additionally, the new Podcast Mentions feature automatically links to other shows mentioned during an episode. This intelligent linking system enriches discovery and helps listeners explore related podcasts more efficiently.
Offline Lyrics and Flash Notifications in iOS 26.2
Apple Music users can now enjoy offline lyric support, letting them view song lyrics even without Wi-Fi or mobile data. This improvement adds convenience for travelers and offline listeners.
Another subtle but useful feature allows the iPhone screen to flash for notifications. Users can activate this under Accessibility settings, adding an extra alert method for incoming messages and calls.
A Thoughtful Step Before the Year-End Release
With iOS 26.2 beta, Apple continues to fine-tune its software ecosystem, focusing on customization, convenience, and accessibility. The update reflects Apple’s commitment to balancing design aesthetics with practical functionality. As the company prepares for a December public release, iPhone users can expect a more adaptive and intuitive experience across apps and devices.
