Apple is introducing a significant change for iPhone users in Japan with the upcoming iOS 26.2 update. The new feature allows users to assign third-party voice assistants, like Alexa or Gemini, to the iPhone’s Side Button, replacing Siri as the default assistant.
How the Side Button Change Works
Currently, a long press on the Side Button activates Siri. With iOS 26.2, Japanese iPhone users will be able to select a third-party voice assistant instead. Developers can adopt Apple’s App Intents framework to make their voice-based conversational apps compatible with this functionality.
Apple’s documentation advises developers:
“In Japan, people might place an action on the side button of iPhone that instantly launches your voice-based conversational app. People expect the voice-based conversational functionality to be instantly available when they launch your app with the side button, so make sure to let them immediately use it by starting an audio session.”
Regional Limitations
This new Side Button option will only work for iPhones:
- With Apple Accounts set to Japan
- When the user is physically located in Japan
Currently, Apple has not extended this feature to other countries.
Other iOS 26.2 Features in Japan
Alongside Side Button updates, iOS 26.2 also brings:
- Support for third-party App Stores
- Safari search engine choice during setup
Related: Everything New in iOS 26.2 Beta 3
These features align with Apple’s compliance with the Mobile Software Competition Act Guidelines established by the Japan Fair Trade Commission.
Future Outlook
There was previous speculation that Apple might roll out similar Side Button customization in the European Union under the Digital Markets Act. However, Japan will be the first country to benefit from this change.
This update marks a potential shift in Apple’s approach to personal assistant flexibility, giving users more control over their iPhone experience.
