With iOS 26.2, Apple is opening the iPhone's side button to third-party voice assistants for the first time. The feature is initially launching exclusively in Japan and allows users to replace Siri with services like Alexa, Gemini, or other voice-based conversation apps. The update implements important steps required by new competition regulations in Japan.
For years, the side button has been inextricably linked to Siri. A long press always activates Apple's voice assistant, with no way to change this. iOS 26.2 breaks this rigid connection and allows for alternative button assignments, provided the respective app developer supports the new feature. Apple has now officially confirmed this in its developer documentation. The rollout in Japan is no coincidence, as new regulations in the mobile software sector there mandate greater openness towards third-party developers.
Siri will be replaceable
With iOS 26.2, users in Japan can configure the side button to launch a third-party voice-based service instead of Siri. This is a rare step for Apple, as it unlocks a previously closed system feature. The functionality was first discovered in iOS 26.2 beta 3 before Apple officially confirmed the details in the documentation .
Technical basis via App Intents
Developers need to take action to enable their app to be launched via the side button. This is based on the App Intents framework, which has been specifically extended for voice-based conversational apps. Apple points out that users want to interact with the app immediately after pressing the side button. Therefore, the app should directly initiate an audio session, for example, via AVFoundation. This is the only way to achieve the direct access expected of a voice assistant.
Regional limitation to Japan
The new side button feature is clearly geographically limited. According to Apple, it's only available on iPhones in Japan. Two conditions must be met for activation: the Apple account must be set to Japan, and the device must actually be located in Japan. Even though the technology is integrated globally in iOS 26.2, its use remains restricted to this market. Other countries will not initially receive the option.
Further new features for Japan in iOS 26.2
The update not only expands the side button options. iOS 26.2 also introduces support for third-party app stores in Japan. Users will also see a screen during device setup to select their preferred search engine in Safari. These measures are related to Japan's Mobile Software Competition Act, which requires Apple to provide greater transparency and choice.
Current situation and possible future in other regions
When the first hints of the side button changes surfaced, the code suggested that the feature might also be intended for iPhone users in the European Union. This would have made sense under the Digital Markets Act. Whether this expansion will happen later remains to be seen. For now, it's clear that the implementation with iOS 26.2 is limited to Japan.
New way of interacting with voice assistants in iOS 26.2
iOS 26.2 brings one of the most unusual changes to the iPhone in recent years. The ability to detach the Siri side button and assign an alternative voice assistant creates a new level of flexibility. At the same time, this innovation demonstrates how much Apple has to adapt to national competition laws. Even though the feature is initially launching only in Japan, it could ultimately influence how voice assistants are used on the iPhone worldwide. (Image: Shutterstock / Alex Malt)
- iPadOS 26.2 significantly improves Slide Over and Split View
- Apple lays the foundation for open assistant switching in iOS 26.2
- iOS 26.2 introduces 30 days of AirDrop access via codes.
- Apple emphasizes the strength of Apple Silicon on its anniversary
- Apple releases iOS 26.2 Beta 3: New testing phase underway
- Tim Cook could change roles instead of leaving Apple entirely.
- Apple expands Sneaky Sasquatch with a new sticker pack
- Tim Cook in focus: Apple tests market reaction to CEO change
- Apple must pay $634 million in the Masimo patent dispute.
- The iPhone 17 brings a noticeable recovery to Apple's China business.
- Apple COO Jeff Williams is now officially retired.
- Apple shortens MLS deal: New contract ends in 2029
- WhatsApp will soon enable cross-platform chats.
- ChatGPT launches test phase for new group chat feature
- Apple and the xAI lawsuit: Court allows proceedings to continue
- Apple TV will show all MLS games in 2026 at no extra cost.
- Apple rolls out new AirPods Pro firmware 8B21 & 8B25
- Tesla is working on Apple CarPlay integration.
- Apple launches new mini-apps program for developers
- Red Dead Redemption is coming to Netflix for iOS & Android
- Sci-fi hit Monarch: Season 2 premieres in February 2026 on Apple TV
- Apple opens up new revenue stream in China with WeChat deal
- Netflix subscriptions are getting more expensive: New tariffs are coming to Europe
