Apple has released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 beta 3 for developers, bringing new HealthKit capabilities, updated StoreKit tools, and several improvements across the system. This update continues Apple’s refinement cycle for 26.2, with a focus on developer APIs and reliability rather than user facing features.
One of the most notable additions in beta 3 is support for hypertension notifications in HealthKit. Developers can now request authorization to read hypertension events from Apple Watch using the new HKCategoryTypeIdentifierHypertensionEvent type. This gives health and fitness apps more advanced data to work with and extends the reach of Apple’s new blood pressure related alerts.
StoreKit also sees multiple upgrades. The new AppStore.ageRatingCode API lets apps check their current App Store age rating and compare it against a previously stored value. This is especially useful for developers who need to adapt in app content or behavior when regional age ratings change. Apple has also resolved two subscription testing issues. Win back offers now work correctly in StoreKit Testing, and SubscriptionStatus.all no longer returns outdated information after subscription changes.
Instruments receives a fix that improves memory analysis. The Allocations instrument will now correctly report reference counting operations for native Swift types, making debugging more accurate for apps that rely heavily on Swift.
Some earlier issues persist in this beta. AirDrop still has a discoverability issue for devices that were set to Everyone on beta 1. Apple recommends updating both devices to a later beta or ensuring the devices have each other’s Apple account email or phone number saved in Contacts. PermissionKit’s Significant App Update API remains untestable in sandbox environments. The Watch Face Gallery also continues to display text only in English.
Networking is another area developers should monitor. Apple has once again updated the default TLS Client Hello. Apps or websites using strict fingerprint based security may see login failures or blocked actions if their servers cannot adapt to the new fingerprint. Apple advises using flexible detection policies since TLS fingerprints will evolve across future releases.
iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 beta 3 are steady, developer focused updates. They expand health data access, improve subscription workflow testing, and fix key issues across the SDK. Apple is expected to finalize the update in December.
