First, let’s address the elephant in the room for anyone who missed WWDC this year: There is no iOS 19. Apple officially switched to year-based naming in June 2025. So, the operating system running on your iPhone 17 right now is iOS 26 (named for the upcoming year, car-model style).
Now that we are past the naming shock, let’s talk about the updates that just landed. iOS 26.2 is out for everyone, and the iOS 26.3 Beta just dropped for developers. Here is why you should care.
Here is our iPhone buying guide if you looking to get one.
iOS 26.2: The “Liquid Glass” Fix
When iOS 26 launched in September, the new “Liquid Glass” design language (inspired by VisionOS) was… controversial. It looked cool, but text was hard to read. iOS 26.2 fixes this.
- Customizable Frosting: You can now adjust the “opacity” of the Liquid Glass on your Lock Screen. There is a new slider that lets you go from “Crystal Clear” (the original look) to “Frosted” (much more readable).
- Reminder Alarms: Finally! You can now set a loud, distinct alarm directly within the Reminders app. No more missing your “Take Meds” reminder because it was just a polite ping.
- AirDrop Codes: Security gets a boost. You can now require a 4-digit code to receive files from unknown contacts, killing “Cyber-Flashing” for good.
iOS 26.3 Beta 1: The “Android Traitor” Feature
The Beta 1 for 26.3 just dropped, and it has one feature that is breaking the internet. “Transfer to Android” is now a native setting in iOS.
- What it is: Apple and Google have collaborated (likely forced by the EU) to make a seamless switching tool. You place your iPhone next to an Android, scan a QR code, and it transfers everything—photos, messages, and even your eSIM—wirelessly.
- Notification Forwarding: Another win for the EU Digital Markets Act. You can now forward your iPhone notifications to third-party smartwatches (like the Pixel Watch 4 or Galaxy Watch 8). You are no longer forced to buy an Apple Watch to get wrist alerts.
Should You Update?
- iOS 26.2: YES. Download it immediately. The Lock Screen fixes alone are worth it, and the battery life on iPhone 16/17 models has been stabilized.
- iOS 26.3 Beta: NO. Unless you are a developer or planning to switch to a Samsung next week, wait. It’s buggy, and the “Notification Forwarding” feature is currently region-locked to Europe anyway.
What do you think of the new “Liquid Glass” slider? Is it enough to save the design? Let me know in the comments!