iOS 26.2.1 ― Bug Fixes, Changes, and Improvements

[Banglazed]

iOS 26.2.1

Release Date ― January 26, 2026
Build Number ― 23C71
Darwin Kernel Version

This update provides support for AirTag (2nd generation) along with bug fixes.

iOS 26.2 Beta Release Notes

New Issues
Remaining Issues
Resolved Issues
Features
Additional Notes

• Developers and testers can report bugs using the Feedback app. If you put your settings back on “None” for the betas, you can still open the app by entering the following URL in Safari:
  

  applefeedback://

• iOS 26 Overview
• iOS 26 Press Release
• iOS 26 Release Notes
• iOS Beta Release Notes
• iOS Security Updates

Spoiler: GUIDE: How to install?

To get the beta over-the-air:

1. Enable Beta Updates (Settings > General > Software Updates > Beta Updates)
2. Make sure you’re signed into the right Apple Account
3. Select which beta you’d like to receive (public/developer beta)
4. Hit "Back" and pull down to refresh
5. Back up to a computer or to iCloud
6. Install the beta

If you no longer wish to receive beta updates:

1. Turn off the Beta Updates (you can also sign out of your Apple Account to reset this setting)
2. Wait for the next public release or follow the guide below to go back to a release build

Troubleshooting: If the beta doesn’t show up on your phone, try turning on airplane mode, then turning it back off, or restart your device.

How to install using a Mac?

1. You’ll need the Xcode beta itself or a MobileDevice.pkg somebody extracted from the beta (click with two fingers or control-click), then choose Show Package Contents. Go to Contents/Resources/Packages. - this will work on older Macs that do not support the latest macOS or Xcode betas)
2. Back up to your Mac or to iCloud in case you need to go back to another version
3. Hold down Option, then click on ‘Check for Update’/‘Restore iPhone...’ and select the IPSW file you downloaded from the Apple Developer site. Note: You must be connected to the internet to complete the restore.
4. Enter your iPhone passcode if you’re prompted to do so.

Notes/Tips:

• Always keep a backup in case you need to restore your phone
• Restoring wipes your settings and all data on your iPhone
• You only need to reinstall MobileDevice.pkg if your Mac stops recognizing your iPhone
• There is no MobileDevice.pkg equivalent to iTunes for PC which would require a new iTunes to support new/beta iOS
• Upgrading to a newer iPhone? You can update using your Mac before setting up the phone

Spoiler: Modem Firmware

• iPhone 17 series: 1.20.07
• iPhone Air: 2.02.03
• iPhone 16 series: 2.20.04
• iPhone 16e: 2.02.03
• iPhone 15 series: 3.20.03
• iPhone 14 series: 4.20.01
• iPhone 13 series and iPhone SE (3rd gen): 5.02.01
• iPhone 12 series: 5.10.01
• iPhone 11 series, iPhone SE (2nd gen) and iPad Air (Cellular, 4th gen): 6.50.00

Spoiler: Carrier Version

Australia

• Optus - 64.5.8
• Telstra - 64.5.13
• Vodafone AU - 66.5.1

Belgium

• BASE - 33.0
• Orange B - 58
• Proximus - 45.0
• Telenet - 66.0

Brazil (info updated 26.2RC2, last change in 26.2b2)

• Claro Brasil - 67.0
• Vivo - 67.0
• TIM -
• Oi - declared bankrupt in Nov 10th 2025

Canada

• Bell - 62.8
• Fido - 56.0
• Fizz - 53.0
• Freedom/Shaw Mobile - 54.8.6
• Mint Mobile - 58.0
• Public Mobile - 54.8.4
• Rogers - 67.2
• Telus - 54.8.8
• Videotron - 53.0
• Virgin Mobile - 50.0

Denmark

• 3 DK - 46.7.11
• TDC 65.0
• Norlys 65.0

Finland

• DNA - 58.5.7

France

• Bouygues Telecom - 40.0
• Orange France - 63.0
• Free - 67.1
• SFR -

Germany

• Vodafone.de - 66.5.2 and RCS enabled
• Telekom.de - 67.0 and RCS enabled
• o2-de - 61.6.1 RCS enabled

Greece:

• Cosmote - 38.0

Guatemala

• TIGO GT - 49.0

India

• Airtel - 58.5.18
• Jio - 58.5.18 (iPhone) and 58.5.18 (iPad)
• Vi India (Vodafone Idea) - 58.5

Ireland

• Eir - 33.5
• Vodafone IE - 38.0

Mexico

• AT&T - 57.0
• Telcel - 57.6

Morocco

• Orange - 50.0

Netherlands

• KPN - 61.0
• Vodafone NL - 45.0
• Odido -

Poland

• T-Mobile - 64.5.4
• Orange - 64.5.2
• Play - 61.0
• Plus - 61.0

Portugal

• Vodafone P - 40.0

Romania

• Orange RO - 55.0

Slovakia

• Orange SK - 57.6

Southeast Asia

• Singapore Singtel -
• Philippines Globe - 67.0
• Philippines Globe (iPad) - 38.0
• Philippines Smart - 67.0
• Thailand AIS - 53.0
• Thailand DTAC - 53.0
• Malaysia Umobile - 33.0
• Malaysia Maxis -33.0
• Malaysia Digi -
• Malaysia celcom -
• Hong Kong - 32.0
• Taiwan -

Spain

• Orange ES - 67.0
• DIGI ES - 54.8.4
• Vodafone ES - 54.8.8
• Movistar - 65.0
• Yoigo - 67.0

Sweden

• Comviq -
• Tre - 31.0

Switzerland

• Salt - 58.0
• Sunrise - 67.0
• Swisscom - 67.0

Turkey

• Turkcell (Lifecell) - 36.5.5
• Vodafone TR - 32.0
• Turk Telekom - 32.0

United Kingdom

• BT-UK (EE MVNO) -
• EE - 67.0
• Giffgaff (O2 MVNO) -
• iD Mobile (Three MVNO) - 67.0
• Lebara (Vodafone MVNO) - 67.0
• Lyca (EE MVNO) -
• Mozillion (EE MVNO) - 67.0
• O2-UK - 67.0
• Sky (O2 MVNO) - 67.0
• Three - 67.0
• Virgin Mobile (O2 MVNO) -
• Vodafone UK - 64.5.5

United States

• AT&T - 67.0
• Boost - 57.0
• Cricket - 60.5.5
• FirstNet - 55.0
• FirstNet (iPad) - 41.7.6
• Metro (TMO MVNO) - 67.0
• Spectrum (VZW MVNO) - 67.1
• T-Mobile - 67.0.1
• TracFone/Straight Talk/Walmart Family Mobile - 63.5
• U.S. Cellular - 46.7.24
• Ultra/Mint Mobile (TMO MVNO) - 64.5.16
• Verizon - 67.0
• Visible (VZW MVNO) - 67.0
• Xfinity Mobile - 57.6.1

Other

• Docomo - 32.5.10
• AlwaysOnline -

Historical beta release chart

iOS Version History Chart

iOS version history chart

www.thinkybits.com

 

[gwang73]

Also WatchOS 26.2.1, build 23S314

 

[Artemiz]

iPhone 17 modem updated from 1.20.06 ->1.20.07

 

[Blue Hawk]

It is pretty fast on my 16 Pro Max

 

[thatJohann]

For some reason, this update took about 15 min to install on my iPhone Air. For a second thought the phone was bricked.

 

[ValerieDurden]

Feels pretty good so far, little smoother than 26.2.

 

[Kylo83]

Feels pretty good so far, little smoother than 26.2.

For me on 17 pro max it feels exactly the same, with all same bugs still there

 

[gogikr]

why collections in photos always takes time to load all content.... no matter 15 pro or 17pro. Such a shame

 

[James6s]

My iPhone 17 feels great! Running better than the day it come out of the box and updated to 26.2. Smooth and fast 👌🏻

 

[cjsuk]

why collections in photos always takes time to load all content.... no matter 15 pro or 17pro. Such a shame

You're doing better than me... yes it's completely cocked up...

 

[Genelec8341]

Instead of the statement "bug fixes" a list of what specific bugs were fixed would be useful.

 

[mikelets456]

Updated. Phone initially was warm and cooled off. No problems with photos but it took about 50 seconds or so for all my folders and apps to show up on initial boot.

 

[I7guy]

2 iPhones, 2 iPads, 2 AW updated to 26.2.1.

 

[dimon2242]

Instead of the statement "bug fixes" a list of what specific bugs were fixed would be useful.

Ok, here you go: empty list)

 

[xpxp2002]

Ok, here you go: empty list)

Seriously. All I care about is that they finally fix swiping down message notifications so that they mark messages as read again. And yet, another update with no fix...

 

[chris4565]

Anyone else had this weird bug that I just encountered? Basically, I got several message notifications (about messages that have never been sent) after the update.

 

[Abydos]

upgraded before 17:00 CST (z-6), no obvious issues

 

[thatJohann]

Keyboard seems just as atrocious if not more than before.

 

[ValerieDurden]

Nothing really changed, keyboard is still crappy but fluidity throughout the os seems a lot better.

 

[Paddle1]

I wonder if this will fix the issue where my notifications aren't being forwarded to macOS.

 

[no0nefamous]

Does this fix the issue of the Settings search bar not working?

 

[EmmieT]

Did anyone else's phone get stuck at rhe full progress bar during update via OTA?

This has been happening on almost every iOS 26 beta/public release on a 15PM for some reason

 

[James6s]

iOS 26.2.1 has brought quite a few updates if this article is correct.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2015866602575581253

 

[Yptcn]

What’s wrong with Focus ?? Since I have updated last evening to 26.2.1 , Focus does not turn on automatically when I change lock screens. I have to turn it on manually and it goes on each lock screens I had made for a specific focus.

EDIT : I had to reassign each Focus mode back to its own lock screen to get it running again as it did before iOS 26.2.1.

 

[Reverend Benny]

Hope no new bugs are introduced since its a lot of "under the hood" changes regarding Audio and BT.
Will test it properly diz evening when I hook this up to a PA system and using BT and an AudioSoftware that is known for breaking when updates are being released (fitness player). Fingers crossed.