Apple releases new OS updates: Try macOS, iPadOS, iOS 26.2
Apple today released new updates to its major operating systems, with versions 26.2 of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and visionOS available now.
As expected, the iPhone iOS 26.2 update is getting the most attention. Apple’s official description of the update says it delivers “improvements to Apple Music, Podcasts, and Games, as well as other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your iPhone.”
How to update to iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, macOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2 and visionOS 26.2
Apple makes this process quite simple; If automatic updates are enabled, your device may already be updated to the new operating system.
To update manually, go to your device settings, tap or click “General”, then “Software Update”. From there, you’ll see options to update immediately or later in the evening while you sleep.
Crushable speed of light
What’s new with iOS 26.2?
The beta version of this update has been available since November, so there might not be any surprises if you follow all the latest beta developments and bug fixes. But if you don’t (and why would you?), here are the main updates:
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Your “Favorite Songs” playlist will appear in “Top Picks” on the Apple Music home tab
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Offline lyrics will be available for songs downloaded in Apple Music
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Auto-generated chapters make it easier to navigate episodes in podcasts
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New filters in the game library
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Improved support for third-party mobile controllers
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New lock screen customization options, including more or less opacity for Liquid Glass
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Improved security alerts
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AirDrop verification codes when connecting with unknown contacts
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New navigation options in Apple News
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A new accessibility setting that flashes the screen when you receive a notification
What’s new with iPadOS 26.2?
The release notes for iPadOS 26.2 highlight 17 changes and bug fixes. The update “enhances the new windowing system introduced in iPadOS 26 with familiar drag-and-drop gestures for tiling app windows and creating a Slide Over window,” as well as improvements to Apple Music, podcasts and games, as well as key security updates.
Most of the key changes are the same as with iOS:
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Multitasking gestures to quickly tile windows or place an app in Slide Over by dragging app icons from the Dock
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New drag-and-drop gestures for the iPad windowing system
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Your “Favorite Songs” playlist will appear in “Top Picks” on the Apple Music home tab
-
Offline lyrics will be available for songs downloaded in Apple Music
-
Auto-generated chapters make it easier to navigate episodes in podcasts
-
New filters in the game library
-
Improved support for third-party mobile controllers
-
New lock screen customization options, including more or less opacity for Liquid Glass
What’s new with macOS 26.2?
The new Edge Light feature in macOS 26.2.
Credit: Apple
MacOS introduces one of the most notable changes with this round of updates: a new video calling feature called Edge Light.
“Edge Light simulates a ring light by illuminating the edges of your screen, providing a pleasant fill light when you’re on a video call in low-light conditions. And to ensure you always have access to your content, the effect automatically moves away from the area around your mouse pointer… Edge Light works best in low-light conditions, like dim indoor lighting at night. You can combine it with any of the other effects.”
