Apple is preparing a major change for iPhone users in Japan. A new document on the company’s Developer blog confirms that you will soon be able to press the Side Button and launch a third-party voice assistant instead of Siri. This update arrives as part of the work happening inside iOS 26.2, which already includes new code tied to a system app named SystemVoiceAssistant.
Earlier code findings mentioned a Side Button App and hinted that Apple was building support for switching the default assistant. Now, Apple’s own documentation makes the situation clear. The company explains that developers in Japan can let their voice-based conversational apps launch instantly when you press and hold the Side Button. Apple says this only applies inside Japan for now.
How the Feature Works
Apple describes how developers should prepare their apps for this change. The company says developers must adopt the App Intents framework and offer App Shortcuts. Apple also adds that users expect the assistant to start listening right away, so developers need to begin an audio session as soon as the app opens.
Inside the same documentation, Apple lists the steps required to enable Side Button access. Developers need to add a specific entitlement in Xcode, create an app intent that follows the activate app intent schema, and route users to the part of the app that handles voice conversations. Apple also provides sample code to help developers set it up.
Japan Gets it First
Apple confirms that only iPhone users in Japan will receive this option at launch. Your Apple Account region must be set to Japan, and you must be physically in Japan for the feature to work. This lets you replace Siri with options like Alexa, Gemini, or any other voice assistant whose developers support the new entitlement.
Along with this change, iOS 26.2 adds support for third-party App Stores and includes a Safari Search Engine choice screen during setup in Japan. Apple is introducing these adjustments to follow the Mobile Software Competition Act Guidelines from the Japan Fair Trade Commission.
Some earlier code suggested the feature might land in the European Union as part of broader Digital Markets Act compliance. That still might happen later, but Apple now makes it clear that the rollout starts in Japan alone.
