Update: Apple has shared a new Developer Blog post explaining the feature, and it’s officially limited to Japan, for now.
Apple’s iOS 26.2 beta 3 is out, bringing small but useful updates like AirDrop improvements and Measure app enhancements. But hidden in the code is a potential game-changer: the ability to replace Siri with a third-party assistant.
Side Button Could Trigger Third-Party AI
9to5Mac discovered references in iOS 26.2 beta 3 to a new system app called SystemVoiceAssistant. This appears to let users assign a different AI assistant to the iPhone’s side button, effectively replacing Siri entirely.
Code strings from the beta include:
"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.”
These lines suggest the feature could be region-specific, possibly rolling out first in the EU to comply with regulations like the Digital Markets Act.
Suggested: iOS 26.2 Adds Temporary AirDrop Access With Shareable Codes
Why This Matters
Currently, the side button launches Siri, so letting users swap it for another assistant would be a big shift in how iPhones handle AI. It opens the door for more flexibility and personalization in iOS.
When Will It Arrive?
iOS 26.2 is expected to officially release next month. While Apple hasn’t confirmed the feature, the beta code strongly hints that users could soon pick their preferred assistant. This would be one of the biggest Siri-related changes in years.
If this change arrives in iOS 26.2, it could finally give iPhone users the power to break free from Siri and use an AI assistant of their choice. It’s a small beta leak with potentially huge implications.
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