iOS 26.2 Update Enables Siri Replacement with Third-Party Assistants
Apple’s upcoming iOS 26.2 update is set to introduce significant changes for users in Japan. This update will allow iPhone users to select third-party voice assistants, breaking away from Siri’s exclusivity.
New Functionality in iOS 26.2
In iOS 26.2 beta 3, users will find references suggesting that they can choose different apps to activate using the Side Button. Currently, this button only activates Siri through a press-and-hold gesture.
Details of the Update
The code snippets found in the beta indicate several new options:
- Press and Hold to Speak is disabled if the Side Button is set to a different app.
- Users can access Side Button Settings to select alternative default apps.
- The default Side Button app cannot be hidden or locked.
- Restrictions apply to specific regions and app availability.
This change aligns with Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act, which mandates that platform holders must not preferentially treat their services. The new guidelines will take effect in December 2025, facilitating this new functionality in iOS 26.2.
Future Prospects and Regulations
Beyond Japan, potential changes in the EU could follow, as indicated in previous communications from Bloomberg. The Digital Markets Act mandates that companies like Apple grant third-party app developers access to essential features of the operating system. This may lead to future updates that allow users to change their default voice assistant across different regions.
However, for now, the ability to launch assistants like Gemini or Alexa with the Side Button will be exclusive to users with a Japanese Apple Account located in Japan.
