When is Apple’s critical update coming to your iPhone?
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The wait for Apple’s iOS 26.2 continues. Every day this week, analysts and reporters have suggested “it could be today.” And yet here we are — still waiting. I warned this may be a little delayed, a knock-on from the iOS 26.1 delay. And with Apple warning of new, malicious spyware attacks, this update has generated even more attention.
The appearance of a second release candidate to beta testers earlier this week suggested some late changes or bugs might need to be addressed. It was no surprise the general release didn’t follow hours later. I have always suggested mid-December for these critical security fixes. It’s unlikely to come on a Friday, so early next week is my bet.
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Apple hasn’t connected the global, highly targeted spyware warnings issued this month with the forthcoming general update. But I would be surprised if we don’t see critical vulnerabilities fixed with the new release, ensuring everyone is secured. It’s likely we’ll also see CISA or similar warnings for Apple users to update their devices.
Given all this attention, you’ll see coverage and social media posts when the update is released. Do not wait. Update your iPhone as soon as it’s available. Go to Settings > General > Software Update, and tap to update when iOS 26.2 is there. And as I’ve said before, even if you can stay on iOS 18 and keep it updated — you shouldn’t.
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Beyond critical security fixes, the update brings a useful security PIN to AirDrop, better securing file and media transfers to users outside your contacts. There’s also a new, localized emergency alert feature which will request your location data.
If Apple does issue the update today, Friday, that would suggest to me that it’s a more serious set of security fixed than expected. I’d expect Monday through Wednesday next week to be much more likely. But I’ll update this story if it does come out today.