Apple Launches iOS 26.2 with Liquid Glass Slider and Reminders Alarms

Apple released its latest iPhone software update, iOS 26.2, today. The update brings eight major new features to compatible devices. These include a much-requested transparency slider for the Lock Screen and alarms for the Reminders app.

The update is available globally starting December 12, 2025. It focuses heavily on customization and productivity. According to Reuters, these features were refined based on extensive user feedback from previous beta versions.

Liquid Glass Slider Brings Precision to Lock Screen

The new Liquid Glass slider offers precise control over the Lock Screen’s clock appearance. Users can now adjust the transparency of the clock’s glass-like effect. This replaces the previous method of using color palettes to indirectly influence its look.

It provides granular control from fully opaque to completely transparent. This allows for more personalization than ever before. The slider is located directly within the Lock Screen customization menu for easy access.

Reminders App Gains Native Alarm Functionality

For the first time, the Reminders app supports built-in alarms. Users can set an audible alarm to sound when a specific reminder is due. This integration simplifies workflows by keeping time-sensitive alerts within one app.

The feature is designed to reduce reliance on the separate Clock app. It streamlines task management for users who depend on audio prompts. Alarms can be configured directly when creating or editing any reminder.

Podcasts and News Apps Receive Major Overhauls

Apple Podcasts gets its biggest redesign in years with iOS 26.2. A key addition is automatic chapter generation for episodes. This makes navigating long-form content much faster and easier.

The Apple News app also sees significant navigation improvements. The redesign enhances how users browse content and access Apple News+ recipes. These changes aim to improve content discovery and the overall user experience.

This iOS 26.2 update delivers meaningful quality-of-life improvements across the iPhone experience. From the customizable Liquid Glass slider to the practical Reminders alarms, Apple is refining its software with user-centric features. The update solidifies iOS 26 as a mature and highly adaptable operating system.

Info at your fingertips

Which iPhone models are compatible with iOS 26.2?

The update supports iPhone XS and all newer models. This includes the entire iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 series. The second-generation iPhone SE and later are also supported.

How do I activate the new Liquid Glass slider?

Long-press your Lock Screen and tap ‘Customize’. Choose the Lock Screen option and find the new clock style widget. The transparency slider will appear as an adjustment option for that widget.

Do Reminders alarms work with Focus modes?

Yes, they integrate with the Focus system. Alarms will respect your active Focus settings, just like other notifications. You can customize this behavior in the Focus settings menu.

What other notable features are included?

Apple Music now allows offline lyrics viewing. The Sleep Score system has updated grading categories. AirDrop also introduces new one-time sharing codes for better privacy.

Is the Podcasts chapter feature automatic?

Yes, chapters are generated automatically by Apple’s algorithms. Podcast creators do not need to manually code them. The feature works for a vast majority of episodes in the catalog.