What's new in iOS 26.2: Emergency alarms, smart podcasts, convenient news.

VHO - Apple has officially released iOS 26.2 with a series of notable upgrades for iPhones, most notably emergency alarms in Reminders, improvements to Apple News, Podcasts, and Sleep Score.

Apple has officially released the stable version of iOS 26.2, bringing many practical improvements to system apps on the iPhone.

Users can update immediately by going to Settings > General > Software Update to download and install. For those who participated in the iOS 26 beta program, this is also a good time to revert to the stable version.

Image source: Phone Arena

iOS 26.2 isn't a game-changer update, but it focuses on improving the everyday user experience, especially in apps like Reminders, Apple News, Podcasts, and Health.

One of the most notable new features is the ability to pair alarms with reminders in the Reminders app. After the update, Apple allows users to mark a reminder as "Urgent," thereby triggering the alarm at the set time, even when the iPhone is in silent mode or Focus mode is enabled. This feature helps minimize the chances of missing important things like meetings, taking medication, or other mandatory deadlines.

To use it, users simply create a new reminder, select the Date & Time, and then turn on the Urgent option. This is considered a small but very practical upgrade, especially for those who frequently rely on their iPhone to manage their work and personal schedules.

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The Apple News app also features quick access shortcuts at the top of the interface. Users can quickly switch to familiar categories like Sports, Quizzes, Politics , or Business with just one tap, instead of having to scroll to find content as before. This change makes reading news more intuitive and time-saving.

With Apple Podcasts, iOS 26.2 brings a series of improvements aimed at a smarter listening experience. Podcast episodes without individual chapters will now have chapters automatically generated by the app, making it easier for listeners to follow the content. Additionally, links mentioned in podcasts, as well as related programs, are displayed directly on each episode's page, making it more convenient to discover new content.

Apple also listened to user feedback about the Liquid Glass interface. In iOS 26.2, users can customize the transparency of this effect via a new slider. Simply press and hold the lock screen, enter customization mode, and tap the clock; the adjustment slider will appear, allowing you to personalize the interface to your liking.

Image source: Phone Arena.

Equally noteworthy are the adjustments to the Sleep Score feature in the Health app. Apple has changed the rating system to more accurately reflect actual rest quality. The highest rating has been changed from “Very High” to “Excellent,” requiring a higher score to achieve. At the same time, any score below 40 will now be rated “Very Low,” instead of below 29 as before.

Sleep scores are calculated based on sleep duration, bedtime, and the number of interruptions during the night. To use this feature, users need an Apple Watch or a compatible sleep tracking device, which the iPhone can then compile and provide an accurate score.

Overall, iOS 26.2 is an update that focuses more on optimizing the user experience than showcasing new technology. The small but sensible changes show that Apple is continuing to refine the iPhone ecosystem in a practical direction, focusing on the daily needs of users.

According to Phone Arena

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