The iOS 26.2 beta points to third-party voice assistants like ChatGPT and Gemini, optional Apple Pay alternatives, and a smarter AirDrop with PIN-based pairing.
© A. Krivonosov
In the third beta of iOS 26.2, signs of a major system overhaul have surfaced: Apple is preparing the iPhone to work with third-party voice assistants—Google Gemini and ChatGPT—while AirDrop is in line for a usability upgrade.
Until now, replacing Siri on an iPhone wasn’t possible: a long press of the Side button always summoned Apple’s assistant. But MacRumors found code in the new beta where the Siri mention is swapped for a neutral placeholder. One passage describes choosing a default app for the Side button, and another notes a warning if the selected assistant doesn’t support voice commands. The shift likely ties back to the European DMA law, which pushes Apple to offer equal footing to third-party apps.
This move also opens the door to replacing Apple Pay: a double press of the Side button could launch alternative NFC payment services. That would break with Apple’s closed ecosystem and, for the first time, hand users full control over core system actions.
Meanwhile, iOS 26.2 will deliver an improved AirDrop. According to 9to5Mac, the system will let devices link via a PIN code. After confirmation, they remain visible in AirDrop for 30 days, addressing the current trade-off of either 10 minutes of visibility for everyone or permanent visibility for contacts only.
The release of iOS 26.2 is expected in the coming months, and it could become one of the most radical updates to the iPhone ecosystem in years. If these changes reach the final build, the everyday feel of iOS may shift more than any cosmetic refresh.