Unlike me, truly savvy Apple users always wait for a “point two” update before installing a new operating system on their devices.
Why? Because a point two upgrade usually fixes all the worst bugs and glitches, and is most likely to be compatible with the widest range of mission-critical apps. So, unlike me, who sometimes finds my daily driver a glitchy mess, those who put off an OS upgrade are guaranteed the smoothest experience.
And guess what? Apple’s mildly controversial iOS 26, with its divisive Liquid Glass interface that a vocal minority hate (see our poll from two days ago), just hit that milestone — iOS 26.2 is officially out!
In addition to squashing hundreds of pesky bugs 🐞, the update includes 20-plus new features that make life on iPhone better than ever.
One of the coolest upgrades? You can now turn your reminders into alarms — so those “pick up groceries” or “call mom” tasks are much harder to ignore. And in Apple Podcasts, automatic chapters and handy links make it easy to jump between episodes or dive deeper into topics that catch your eye.
Meanwhile, Apple’s Liquid Glass UI continues its glow-up.
Apple sprinkled tiny improvements everywhere in iOS 26.2. Check out the full list and all the juicy details in our post — or watch our video.
Also in today’s newsletter:
One of my sons is an insufferable cinephile snob, but he unexpectedly enjoyed F1: The Movie and recommended it highly. And it’s exactly what I’ll be streaming this weekend on Apple TV.
If you’re traveling this holiday season, this app makes it easy to download movies and shows for offline viewing from Netflix, YouTube and more.
Seems like there are some small, isolated problems with the new AirPods Pro 3 (which just dropped below $200 for the first time), including weird ANC issues on airplane flights. Of course, Apple doesn’t explicitly address what bugs are fixed, but a new firmware update might do the trick. Here’s how to check your AirPods firmware (and force an update if the earbuds need it).
Back in 1980, Apple’s IPO made Steve Jobs and many other employees instant millionaires. But it also exposed the company’s class divide.
— Leander Kahney, EIC.
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A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team
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A message from Levanta
The Future of Shopping? AI + Actual Humans.
AI has changed how consumers shop, but people still drive decisions. Levanta’s research shows affiliate and creator content continues to influence conversions, plus it now shapes the product recommendations AI delivers. Affiliate marketing isn’t being replaced by AI, it’s being amplified.
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One more thing ...
The only purpose for me in building a company is so that it can make products. Of course, building a very strong company and a foundation of talent and culture is essential over the long run to keep making great products. On the other hand, to me, the company is one of humanity’s most amazing inventions. It’s totally abstract. Sure, you have to build something with bricks and mortar to put the people in, but basically a company is this abstract construct we’ve invented, and it’s incredibly powerful.
Today’s poll
What's the best new feature of iOS 26.2?
Results from yesterday’s poll: Would you buy a HomePad?
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