After landing the first beta last week, Apple is preparing to release iOS 26.2 for all compatible iPhones in December. Although the exact release date is yet to be confirmed, Apple has promised to bring some important upgrades with iOS 26.2 for supported iPhones. From redesigned in-app navigation to improved accessibility, smart sleep insights, and new Apple Music features, the iOS 26.2 update will build on the fundamental changes of iOS 26, focused on refining the user experience.

Let’s take a look at the five most interesting changes coming to your iPhone in the upcoming software update.

A cleaner Apple News experience

One of the more visible changes with iOS 26.2 will appear in the Apple News app, which will get a new “Following” tab. This dedicated section will make it easier for readers to go straight to the topics they care about, providing a more streamlined reading experience.

screen flash for alert

On the accessibility front, iOS 26.2 adds a feature that many users have been requesting, screen flash alerts for notifications. Previously, only the rear camera’s LED flash could be used for visual alerts. With the new update, users will get options in Settings to choose LED flash, screen flash, both, or disable the feature completely. This update will be especially useful for users who are hearing impaired, or those who miss alerts, by providing an additional visual cue when a notification arrives.

Live AirPods Translate arrives in the EU

The translation tool gets a significant boost, especially for iPhone users in the EU. Apple is finally enabling Live Translation on AirPods in the region, allowing language translation in real-time without having to look at your screen during a conversation. The feature originally launched in the US and select markets with iOS 26, but its EU rollout was delayed to ensure compliance with the bloc’s Digital Markets Act.

More lock screen controls with Liquid Glass

Apple will also expand lock screen personalization with a new liquid glass opacity slider for the watch background. Based on the “Clear” and “Tinted” options introduced in iOS 26.1, this slider lets you fine-tune how blurred or transparent the clock background appears, giving you even more control over your lock screen aesthetic.

Apple Music comes with offline songs

With iOS 26.2, Apple Music listeners can finally enjoy songs offline, meaning you’ll be able to view song lyrics even without an Internet connection.

While these are just some of the standout features coming with the next update, there are more. With upcoming updates. Apple will also refine the Sleep Score range to provide clearer insight into sleep quality based on sleep duration, consistency, and nighttime awakenings. Meanwhile, the Reminders app will soon let users trigger alarms for time-sensitive tasks by toggling a new “Urgent” option.