iOS 26.2 Update: Enhanced Safety and New Features

Apple has begun beta testing for iOS 26.2, the next update to its mobile operating system, which aims to enhance user experience with a focus on safety and privacy. One of the standout features is the introduction of Enhanced Safety Alerts, designed to deliver quicker and more precise emergency notifications. This is particularly beneficial in a country like India, where timely alerts can save lives during natural disasters.

In the developer beta of iOS 26.2, a new section under Settings > Notifications called Enhanced Alerts has been added. This allows users in specific regions to enable or disable earthquake alerts and imminent threat notifications. The feature also enables users to share their approximate location with Apple, ensuring that emergency alerts are timely without compromising exact location privacy. In a country often prone to natural disasters, this feature could prove invaluable.

Moreover, the update expands upon existing Government Alerts that include AMBER Alerts, Public Safety Alerts, and Emergency Alerts. With the new system, users have more control over alert sounds and location precision, ensuring critical information reaches them during emergencies.

Beyond safety features, Apple is refining existing tools. The Sleep Score system, introduced with iOS 26, has been modified to provide a “Very High” score as the top rating instead of “Excellent.” This change aims to make sleep tracking feedback more consistent and actionable, helping users improve their health.

iOS 26.2 is also introducing a new security feature for AirDrop. Users can now set a PIN for secure file sharing. Once connected to another device, this link remains active for up to 30 days, eliminating the repeated need to switch to the “Everyone for 10 minutes” mode. This improvement allows for secure temporary sharing between Apple devices without creating permanent contacts.

Additionally, the update includes new productivity features like Tables in the Freeform app, enhancing the organization of ideas. The Liquid Glass display experience has also been modified, allowing users to customize the transparency and frosted appearance of the clock. Overall, iOS 26.2 aims to make interactions more efficient and secure for Indian users, providing new tools to enhance daily life.