Apple added a new Enhanced Safety Alerts section in iOS 26.2 developer beta 1. You’ll find it in Settings > Notifications. The page hosts new controls for critical alerts and a privacy toggle to improve delivery.
You can turn on earthquake alerts and imminent threat alerts from this new screen. Apple also included a new alert tone. The setting sits alongside existing Government Alerts and keeps familiar options for AMBER Alerts, Public Safety Alerts, test alerts, and Emergency Alerts.
Apple explains how earthquake notifications work with bi-level alerts in its support material. Awareness Alerts tell you to prepare. Action Alerts mark severe risk and demand immediate action. Enhanced Safety Alerts builds on this system and aims to deliver these notices more reliably.
The privacy switch on the page lets your iPhone share your approximate location with Apple to improve timeliness and reliability. This uses rough location, not precise GPS. You can turn it off at any time.
What’s new, what stays the same
- New hub: Enhanced Safety Alerts now appear under Settings > Notifications.
- New categories: Earthquake alerts and imminent threat alerts gain dedicated toggles.
- New sound: iOS 26.2 adds a distinct alert tone for these notices.
- Privacy control: Share approximate location to improve delivery, or keep it off.
- Existing controls remain: Government Alerts and Emergency Alerts stay, with granular switches for sound and location precision.
How to check or enable it
- Install iOS 26.2 developer beta 1 on a supported iPhone.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Notifications.
- Tap Enhanced Safety Alerts.
- Toggle Earthquake Alerts and Imminent Threat Alerts as needed.
- Decide whether to share the approximate location for improved delivery.
Availability and limits
Enhanced Safety Alerts appear for users in supported regions. If you don’t see the section, your region may not support it yet, or you may not be on the correct beta build. Apple’s earthquake guidance applies only where alert infrastructure exists.
Seconds matter during earthquakes and fast-moving public threats. A clearer settings page, explicit toggles, and a dedicated tone improve speed and recognition. The approximate-location option helps the system reach you faster without exposing your precise location.
Quick context on earthquake alerts
Apple’s bi-level earthquake system uses Awareness and Action alerts to separate early notice from imminent danger. Enhanced Safety Alerts do not replace these models. It organizes them and improves delivery so you get the right alert at the right time.
Bottom line
iOS 26.2 makes safety alerts easier to find, easier to control, and easier to hear. Check the new section, set your toggles, and keep the approximate-location option on if you want the best delivery in supported regions.
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