Goodbye Siri: Apple iPhone to get Siri alternatives and AirDrop upgrade with iOS 26.2

Apple's iOS 26.2 update prepares big changes for Siri (Image source: Apple, edited)

Apple has released the third beta of iOS 26.2, which includes signs that Siri may soon be replaceable systemwide by voice assistants like Google Gemini or ChatGPT, while AirDrop is getting a significant upgrade in terms of convenience.

Hannes Brecher (translated by Enrico Frahn), Published 11/18/2025 🇩🇪

Anyone who wants to use a voice assistant other than Siri on the Apple iPhone 17 or older iPhones currently has to open the corresponding app, since holding the lock button for a few seconds only launches Siri. That could change with the release of iOS 26.2 in a few months. MacRumors found a series of clues in the Siri framework code of the third developer beta, which suggest that Apple is preparing a rather significant change.

Informational texts previously always mentioned Siri, but the new beta replaces these references with a placeholder. One text even states that a different "default side button app" can be selected, while another warns users if the chosen "side button app" does not support voice commands. The reason for this change is likely the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which requires that third-party software must have access to the same hardware features as Apple’s stock software.

For the same reason, Apple Pay can be replaced by a third-party app that opens when the lock button is pressed twice, which enables NFC payments via another app. Meanwhile, 9to5Mac reports that AirDrop is being improved with an option to pair two devices via a PIN code. After that, these devices remain visible for 30 days. This might be useful because right now, an AirDrop device can only be visible for saved contacts or for a duration of 10 minutes.

Source(s)

MacRumors | 9to5Mac

Loading Comments

Comment on this article

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 sales in ...

Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher - Senior Tech Writer - 19223 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018

Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.

contact me via: @HannesBrecher, LinkedIn, Xing

Translator: Enrico Frahn - Managing Editor Accessory Reviews, Tech Writer - 5735 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021

My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.

contact me via: LinkedIn

Please share our article, every link counts!