According to 9to5Mac, Apple just dropped iOS 26.2 public beta 2 with a massive feature set including extended AirDrop capabilities that work between non-contacts for 30 days, AI-generated podcast chapters, Liquid Glass-inspired redesigns in the Measure app, and improved iPad multitasking. The update also brings Sleep Score category changes, European AirPods Live Translation support starting in December, and the ability to trigger alarms for urgent reminders. Games get library sorting and controller navigation while Macs gain Edge Light for video call lighting.
The AirDrop revolution nobody asked for
Here’s the thing about Apple’s new AirDrop approach – it’s basically turning what was a quick file transfer between nearby devices into something more permanent. Being able to AirDrop with people who aren’t in your contacts for 30 days? That’s a fundamental shift from the temporary, proximity-based system we’ve known. I wonder if this is Apple’s response to regulatory pressure or if they’re genuinely trying to make file sharing more flexible. The security implications are interesting too – suddenly you’re maintaining connections with people you might have only met briefly.
AI is taking over your podcasts
Now this is where things get really practical. AI-generated chapters for podcasts? That’s actually useful. Think about all those times you’ve scrubbed through a two-hour podcast trying to find that one interesting segment. Apple’s AI automatically creating chapters could save everyone tons of time. And linking to referenced podcasts? That’s basically creating a web of content that keeps you listening. But here’s my question – how accurate will these AI chapters actually be? We’ve all seen AI stumble with context before.
The never-ending design tweaks
Apple’s obsession with the Liquid Glass aesthetic continues, and honestly, it’s starting to feel like they’re just moving pixels around at this point. The Measure app redesign to avoid obscuring numbers? That sounds like they’re fixing a problem they created. The Lock Screen clock transparency slider becoming more dramatic? Sure, it’s nice to have options, but how many people are actually tweaking their Lock Screen daily? Sometimes I think Apple’s design team just needs to justify their existence between major iOS releases.
Multitasking makes a comeback
Dragging apps from the Dock into Slide Over or Split View is one of those features that should have been there from day one. It’s the kind of intuitive interaction that makes iPadOS feel more like a proper computing platform rather than a blown-up phone interface. And bringing back features that were left behind from iOS 18? That tells me Apple’s development cycle is getting messy. They’re playing catch-up with their own software, which isn’t a great look for a company that prides itself on seamless integration.
The Sleep Score changes are particularly telling – Apple actually listened to user feedback about the categories being too broad. That’s rare. And alarms breaking through Focus modes? That’s addressing a real pain point for people who use their iPhones for both work and personal life. These might seem like small tweaks, but they show Apple is paying attention to how people actually use their devices day to day.
Follow 9to5Mac on Twitter and YouTube for more beta coverage as iOS 26.2 develops toward its expected December public release.
