iOS 26.2 leak shows iPhone might let you replace Siri as default assistant [U]

Update, 5:55 p.m. ET: Apple has published a new Developer Blog post detailing the upcoming feature, which will be limited to users in Japan.

iOS 26.2 beta 3 is here, bringing signs of a forthcoming AirDrop upgrade and welcome Measure enhancements. But the code for iOS 26.2 beta 3 reveals a potentially bigger change coming: the ability to replace Siri with a third-party assistant when using iPhone’s side button.

Code in iOS 26.2 beta 2 indicates third-party assistant support for iPhone’s side button

Code for iOS 26.2 beta 3 seen by 9to5Mac reveals that Apple is preparing to let users invoke third-party AI assistants via the iPhone’s side button—replacing Siri altogether.

There’s a new ‘SystemVoiceAssistant’ system app that seems to be related to the ability to change which assistant is triggered with the side button.

Code strings mention a ‘Side Button App’ tied to these new additions. Here are some examples:

• “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.”

This last one seems especially important for the new feature’s availability.

As we’ve seen already with iOS 26.2 removing a key iPhone and Apple Watch feature, this update is Apple’s best opportunity to roll out DMA-related compliance measures in the EU.

iOS 26.2 will launch next month as the last major software update before the holidays. Thus, it might be Apple’s last chance to implement DMA changes that have an end-of-year deadline.

Thus, although Apple hasn’t confirmed this as of yet, it’s highly likely that any side button changes iOS 26.2 enables will be limited to the EU.

Would you replace Siri and use another assistant with the side button in iOS 26.2? Which one? Let us know in the comments.

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