Apple recently released official updates for iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2, which, in addition to refining the visual interface and deepening the more transparent "Liquid Glass" design language, also introduce AI-driven Podcast chaptering and practical AirDrop improvements, and further adapt to...Japanese market policy adjustmentsLocal users can set the iPhone's side button to wake up third-party digital assistant services, including Google Gemini or Amazon Alexa, and can also install third-party software marketplace services such as AltStore PAL.
In addition, in terms of security, Apple patched 25 security vulnerabilities in one go, including critical vulnerabilities discovered by the security teams of Google, ByteDance, and Alibaba, and recommended that all users update as soon as possible.
The visuals are now more transparent! Liquid glass design and elastic animation
In iOS 26.2, Apple responded to user feedback and further adjusted the system's visual language:
• Lock screen clock:A new transparency adjustment slider has been added, allowing users to customize the transparency of the clock material.
• Native tool update:The "Measure" and "Level" applications have been redesigned with transparent glass elements, making the interactive animations more dynamic.
• Elastic animation:The editing menus in the Photos app and home screen widgets feature a new, flexible animation similar to that showcased at WWDC 2025, creating a more layered visual experience.
Feature upgrades: Podcasts are smarter, and AirDrop is more flexible.
This update also features significant improvements in productivity and entertainment functions:
• Integrating AI technology into Podcasts:For the first time, Apple has used AI to automatically generate chapters for English programs longer than 10 minutes, significantly reducing the burden on creators. In addition, a new "Podcast Mentions" feature has been added, which automatically generates links when a program mentions another podcast, as well as an integrated "Links to This Episode" page, making it easier for listeners to find resources mentioned in the program, and highlighting timestamps in real time.
• AirDrop 30-day temporary access:It solves the previous limitation of only being able to open to "everyone for 10 minutes". Now it can generate a set of one-time security codes with a validity period of up to 30 days, which can facilitate long-term temporary file transfers with non-contact persons.
• Apple Watch's "Sleep Score" standards have become stricter for health and gaming:The original "High" rating of 70 points now requires 81 points, and the highest rating has been changed from "Excellent" to the more objective "Very High". Game Center has also enhanced social interaction, allowing users to directly invite friends to challenge.
• iPadOS Multitasking Returns:iPadOS 26.2 finally brings back the full gesture for the "Slide Over" function. Users can now use the familiar drag gesture to pull apps into the side window, no longer limited by menu buttons, and regain operational efficiency.
Other feature updates: Apple News, CarPlay, and availability in the Japanese market.
Other updates include adding more non-news content to Apple News, and a CarPlay update that adds a toggle to display iMessage messages on the in-car screen to prevent private messages from being seen by other passengers.
In response to changes in software policies in the Japanese market, Apple has added a feature in this update that allows iPhone users to customize the side button functionality. Users can choose to quickly activate third-party digital assistant services such as Google Gemini and Amazon Alexa using the side button. Additionally, users can download and install third-party marketplace services such as AltStore PAL.
Security Update: Fixes WebKit and Kernel Vulnerabilities
Besides feature updates, security patches are also a major focus. iOS 26.2 fixes 25 security vulnerabilities, some of which have been confirmed to be exploited by hackers.
• WebKit vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-43529, CVE-2025-14174):Discovered by Google's Threat Analysis Group (TAG). Hackers can trigger arbitrary code execution through malicious web page content; Apple has confirmed attacks targeting older versions of iOS.
• App Store permission vulnerability (CVE-2025-46288):Discovered by ByteDance's IES Red Team, the vulnerability allows malicious apps to access sensitive payment tokens.
• Kernel overflow vulnerability (CVE-2025-46285):The Alibaba team discovered that the issue could cause system crashes or gain root access, and Apple has fixed it by introducing 64-bit timestamps.
Other fixes include issues such as "hidden" photo albums potentially being accessed without authorization, screen time potentially leaking browsing history, and FaceTime caller ID potentially being spoofed.
