With iOS 26.2, iPhone users in this country can replace Siri with third-party assistants

iphone

Apple is giving iPhone users in Japan a level of choice that the rest of the world has been waiting for: the ability to replace Siri with a third-party voice assistant. With the iOS 26.2 update, Japanese users will be able to long-press the Side Button and launch assistants like Alexa, Google’s Gemini, or any other app designed for voice-based conversations.

Until now, Siri has been the only assistant tied to the Side Button on the iPhone, with no option to switch. But Apple’s latest developer documentation confirms that iOS 26.2 introduces a new capability—developers can now use Apple’s App Intents framework to make their conversational apps launch instantly from the Side Button. This means the moment a user presses and holds the Side Button, the chosen assistant opens and starts listening right away.

The feature won’t work automatically for all apps, though. Developers must explicitly support it, and Apple suggests that apps start an audio session immediately to give users a smooth, responsive experience. The documentation even emphasizes how important instant availability is for people launching an assistant from the Side Button.

However, this new freedom comes with a major limitation: the feature will only be available in Japan. Apple says users must not only set their Apple ID region to Japan, but also physically be located in the country for the option to appear. The company has not announced any plans to offer the feature elsewhere yet.

The timing of the update is also notable. iOS 26.2 introduces more Japan-specific changes, including support for third-party app stores and a new Safari search engine choice screen. These additions help Apple comply with Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act Guidelines, which push for more competition and consumer choice.

Earlier code hints led some to believe that Side Button flexibility might arrive first in Europe under the Digital Markets Act. While that could still happen in the future, Apple’s initial rollout shows Japan is getting these changes ahead of everyone else.

For now, Japanese iPhone users will be the first—and only—to decide whether Siri stays or goes.