iOS 26.2 beta 3 is here, bringing signs of a forthcoming AirDrop upgrade and welcome Measure enhancements. But the code for iOS 26.2 beta 3 reveals a potentially bigger change coming: the ability to replace Siri with a third-party assistant when using iPhone’s side button.
Code in iOS 26.2 beta 2 indicates third-party assistant support for iPhone’s side button
Code for iOS 26.2 beta 3 seen by 9to5Mac reveals that Apple is preparing to let users invoke third-party AI assistants via the iPhone’s side button—replacing Siri altogether.
There’s a new ‘SystemVoiceAssistant’ system app that seems to be related to the ability to change which assistant is triggered with the side button.
Code strings mention a ‘Side Button App’ tied to these new additions. Here are some examples:
“Assign a voice-enabled app to the Side Button”
ASSISTANT_AVAILABILITY_PROMPT” = “”%@” will be available when it finishes downloading.”
APP_NOT_AVAILABLE_FOR_SIDE_BUTTON_IN_REGION = “”%@” is not available for use with the Side Button in your region.”
This last one seems especially important for the new feature’s availability.
As we’ve seen already with iOS 26.2 removing a key iPhone and Apple Watch feature, this update is Apple’s best opportunity to roll out DMA-related compliance measures in the EU.
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