Apple Introduces New “Side Button Access” Feature in iOS 26.2 Beta for Users in Japan

Apple is quietly expanding how the iPhone’s hardware controls can be used. In the latest beta of iOS 26.2, the company has introduced a new capability called Side Button Access, which allows users in Japan to launch third-party voice-based conversational apps by simply pressing and holding the side button.

The addition marks another step in Apple’s ongoing effort to give users more control over how their devices behave, especially when it comes to interacting with voice-driven software.

A New Shortcut Beyond Siri

Once enabled, Side Button Access lets users choose a preferred conversational app—such as a voice assistant or AI chat app—and open it instantly with a long press of the side button. The experience is similar to invoking Siri, but now users in Japan can choose an alternative app instead of Apple’s built-in assistant.

This feature creates a system-level shortcut, making it faster and more convenient to access voice apps without navigating the home screen or issuing a “Hey Siri” command.

What Developers Need To Know

To take advantage of Side Button Access, developers must integrate a new entitlement labeled “Side Button Access.” They also need to provide an app intent that conforms to Apple’s activate schema. According to Apple’s documentation, apps launched this way are expected to immediately start an audio session so they can begin listening for voice input without delay.

This requirement ensures that the experience feels seamless and responsive—critical for any voice-first interaction.

Availability Limited to Japan

For now, Apple is restricting Side Button Access to iPhone users in Japan, and the requirements are strict. On production devices, the user’s Apple Account region must be set to Japan, and the device must physically be located in the country.

The feature builds on Apple’s existing App Intents framework, which already powers integrations like assigning actions to the iPhone’s Action button. Extending similar capabilities to the side button shows Apple’s continued interest in making hardware controls more customizable where appropriate.

Looking Ahead

Although Side Button Access is currently exclusive to Japan, its introduction raises interesting questions about whether Apple may eventually expand this capability to other regions. With voice-based apps and conversational AI tools becoming more mainstream, offering system-level shortcuts could become increasingly valuable.

For now, iPhone users in Japan will be the first to try it—and developers targeting this market can begin preparing their apps today.