iOS 26.2 brings search engine choice screen to iPhone users in Japan, here's why

iOS 26

Apple is introducing a new search engine selection prompt in Japan with the upcoming iOS 26.2 update. As several users on Reddit noticed, iPhone owners in Japan will now see an option to choose their preferred search engine immediately after installing the update.

The list includes Bing, Google, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo Japan, and Ecosia — the same options available globally through Safari’s settings. However, in most countries, Google remains the default choice and users are not prompted to select an alternative during setup. Instead, they must manually change it in the Safari section of the Settings app.

This change follows new guidelines from Japan’s Fair Trade Commission, which require Apple to provide a neutral search engine selection screen during device setup. The move comes amid increasing regulatory scrutiny over Apple’s long-standing deal with Google, which reportedly pays Apple about $20 billion annually to remain the default search engine across its devices.

Interestingly, Yahoo Japan continues to have a strong market presence in the country, making this change particularly relevant for local users.

iOS 26.2 also includes early support for installing third-party app marketplaces in Japan, aligning with the upcoming Mobile Software Competition Act. These new rules will officially take effect on December 18, 2025, coinciding with the expected public release of iOS 26.2.