Overview
- Strings in the iOS 26.2 developer beta reveal a new Side Button Access setting that lets users assign another default app instead of Siri.
- Apple’s developer documentation confirms the capability and states it is available only in Japan for now.
- Japan’s law requires platform operators to grant competing services access to key system functions, including voice assistants.
- Apps must request specific entitlements and start an immediate audio session so a voice assistant launched from the Side Button can listen right away.
- Analysts expect EU pressure under the DMA could lead to a similar option, though Apple has announced no broader rollout, and Japan is also gaining third‑party app stores and a Safari search choice.