Apple Opens iPhone Side Button to Third-Party Voice Assistants in Japan

Apple is changing how the iPhone’s Side Button works for users in Japan. The company will soon allow people to assign third-party voice assistants to the button. This major shift was confirmed in official developer documentation for the upcoming iOS 26.2 update.

 

This move means Japanese users can set alternatives like Alexa or Google Gemini as their default. The change is a direct result of new regulatory guidelines from Japanese authorities. It marks a significant departure from Apple’s long-standing control over its core hardware functions.

How the New Side Button Functionality Works

The feature relies on Apple’s App Intents framework. Developers must build support into their voice-based conversational apps. Once implemented, users can select these apps to launch instantly with a Side Button press.

According to Reuters, this functionality is strictly geo-locked. A user’s Apple Account region must be set to Japan. The device must also be physically located within the country. This ensures the feature complies with the specific Japanese legislation prompting the change.

Broader Regulatory Compliance in Japan

The Side Button change is part of a broader suite of updates for Japan. iOS 26.2 also introduces support for third-party app stores. It provides a new choice screen for selecting a default search engine in Safari. These features collectively address the Mobile Software Competition Act Guidelines.

These guidelines were established by the Japan Fair Trade Commission. Their goal is to increase competition and consumer choice in the mobile software market. Apple’s compliance demonstrates the tangible impact of the new regulations on its iOS platform.

This new iPhone Side Button customization gives Japanese users an unprecedented level of choice. It represents a key step in Apple’s adaptation to global regulatory pressures. The feature could potentially expand to other regions in the future.

Info at your fingertips

Which iPhones will get the new Side Button feature?

The feature will be available on all iPhones that support iOS 26.2. This includes recent models like the iPhone 15 series and newer. Apple has not specified a minimum model requirement.

Can users outside Japan access this feature?

No, the feature is exclusively for users in Japan. It requires both an Apple Account set to Japan and for the user to be physically located there. This is a legal requirement tied to Japanese regulations.

What do developers need to do to support this?

Developers must adopt the App Intents framework. They need to ensure their voice-based app is ready for instant audio activation. This provides a seamless experience when launched from the Side Button.

Will this feature come to the European Union?

It is possible but not confirmed. The initial code discovery led to speculation about EU availability under the Digital Markets Act. For now, Apple has confirmed the launch only for Japan.

When will iOS 26.2 be released to the public?

Apple has confirmed a public release for December 2025. The exact date has not been announced. The update is currently in its beta testing phase with developers.