Apple Drops iOS 26.2 Update: New AirDrop Codes and Urgent Spyware Fixes Shaking Up the iPhone

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Apple has officially rolled out iOS 26.2, a software release that is far more than a simple UI polish. While the update finally addresses the controversial Liquid Glass design with new customization sliders, its real weight lies in a massive overhaul

AirDrop Gets a Major Security Level-Up

The headline feature for daily usability is the introduction of AirDrop codes. Apple is moving away from the "Everyone for 10 Minutes" free-for-all that has plagued public spaces with unwanted transfers.

The new system allows users to generate a one-time alphanumeric code to authorize a file transfer with someone not in their contacts. Once the code is exchanged, the two devices are paired for 30 days, allowing for continued sharing without the need to permanently clutter your contact list.

"Share a secure code with people not in your contacts to use AirDrop. You will be able to find each other for the next 30 days," the official feature description reads. This effectively bridges the gap between total privacy and the convenience of modern ecosystem sharing.

Closing the Door on "Extremely Sophisticated" Attacks

Under the hood, iOS 26.2 is a defensive fortress. Apple confirmed the update clobbers 26 vulnerabilities, including two high-risk flaws in WebKit and the Kernel that were already being exploited in the wild. These bugs allowed "maliciously crafted web content" to execute arbitrary code—tech-speak for a hacker taking over your phone just because you visited the wrong website.

"Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals on versions of iOS before iOS 26," Apple stated in its security documentation.

Security experts warn that these flaws were part of an attack chain used for persistent surveillance. While these targeted attacks often hit high-value individuals, the risk for the average user grows as the exploit becomes public knowledge.

Fixing the "Liquid Glass" Friction

For those who hated the "frosted" look of the Lock Screen clock introduced in iOS 26, the company is finally offering an olive branch. A new Liquid Glass slider in the customization menu allows users to adjust the opacity of the clock.

• Glass Mode: Keeps the translucent, depth-heavy look.
• Solid Mode: Restores the traditional, high-contrast legibility many users missed.

The Measure app has also been sucked into the new design language, featuring a redesigned Level function that uses interactive Liquid Glass circles.

Why You Must Restart Now

While the update patches the holes, Malwarebytes and other security outlets are emphasizing a critical second step: restarting your device. Modern "mercenary spyware" often lives only in the device's volatile memory to avoid leaving traces on the hard drive. A simple reboot after the iOS 26.2 installation can disrupt these non-persistent scripts that rely on long uptimes.