Apple had been expected to release iOS 26.3 soon, but a smaller update which had been spotted and then dismissed suddenly appeared. Here’s the first reaction to it and the answer to the question: should you upgrade?
This post has the initial thoughts on the new release and I’ll be updating this post over the coming week and I’ll add final thoughts on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Who Is It For And How Do You Get It?
This update is compatible with all iPhones from 2019 on — that means the iPhone 11 onwards. The iPhone XS, XS Max and XR supported iOS 18 but aren’t compatible with the new software. Every phone from iPhone 11 to the latest, including second- and third-generation iPhone SE, right up to iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air, are covered.
To update, just go to the Settings app on your iPhone, click on General, then Software Update. Next, select Download and Install, and the software will download from there. This is a smallish download, less than 1GB.
What It’s About
There are new features in this release, more than might be expected in a minor release, including support for the newly released Apple AirTag. You can read full details of what’s new here.
Apple iOS 26.2.1 Security
Interestingly, there are no security updates in this release, though there are bug fixes and new features. Apple also released a bunch of other updates alongside iOS 16.2.1, for earlier smartphones — full details here.
Apple iOS 26.2.1 First Reactions
The first reactions have been largely positive, with one Redditor saying simply, “It contains the one thing iOS 26 actually needs, bug fixes.” There were complaints that iOS 18.7.4, released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR was not offered to newer phones. But, to be honest, it was never going to be — Apple wants people on the latest version. It is four months since iOS 26 launched, after all.
Apple iOS 26.2.1 Initial Verdict: Update
This looks like a stable release with new updates and fixes under the hood as well as useful benefits for anyone buying the new Apple AirTag.
