iOS 26.2 Lets Users Replace Siri: Apple Opens Door to Third-Party Assistants in Japan

Apple is preparing one of its biggest voice-assistant changes ever with iOS 26.2 beta 3, giving some iPhone users the ability to replace Siri with a third-party assistant. The feature, however, is currently exclusive to users in Japan, aligning with the country’s new regulatory rules.

Apple Testing New Side Button Behavior in iOS 26.2

In the latest beta, several references were found inside Apple’s private Siri frameworks, showing that the iPhone’s Side Button (long press) will soon be customizable. Today, a press-and-hold gesture only activates Siri, but the new code suggests Apple is preparing to let users choose another app — such as Google Gemini, Amazon Alexa, or other assistant apps — as the default action.

Some of the new system strings spotted include:

• “Press and Hold to Speak is not available while the Side Button is assigned to %@.”

• “Side Button Settings”

• “Select Another Default Side Button App”

• “The default Side Button app cannot be hidden. You can change your default apps in Settings.”

• “%@ is no longer eligible for use with the Side Button.”

• “%@ is not available for use with the Side Button in your region.”

  
  

While Apple hasn’t enabled the feature yet, the language clearly points to full assistant-level integration, triggered by the Side Button long press.

Why Japan Gets the Feature First

Japan passed the Mobile Software Competition Act in August, requiring companies like Apple to give developers fair access to important OS functions, including voice assistants. The law specifically states that platform owners cannot prioritize their own assistants for hardware-level interactions.

These guidelines take effect in December 2025, which aligns with Apple preparing the iPhone for compliance through iOS 26.2.

Not Coming to the EU Yet — But It Might in the Future

An earlier version of this story suggested the feature was headed to the European Union, but Apple’s documentation confirms it is Japan-only for now. However, the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) could eventually force Apple to implement a similar change.

The DMA requires gatekeepers to allow:

• Access to the same hardware and software features used by the OS or the default assistant

• Easy switching of default apps, including virtual assistants

This means the EU could see the same Side Button flexibility later, though Apple has not provided a timeline.

Who Will Be Able to Use the Feature?

When it launches, the ability to set a third-party assistant as the default will only work for:

• iPhone users with a Japanese Apple ID

• Users physically located in Japan

Final Thoughts

iOS 26.2 marks a major shift in how Apple handles voice assistants — at least in Japan for now. With regulatory pressure increasing globally, especially in the EU, this could be the beginning of a more open, customizable future for iPhone users worldwide.