Apple has expanded accessibility features on iPhones with the latest iOS 26.2 update, offering new ways for users to receive notifications. While the ability to use the camera flash as a visual alert isn’t new, iOS 26.2 introduces the option to flash the entire screen, providing a more prominent visual cue for incoming calls, messages, and other alerts.
This update caters particularly to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, but the feature is available to all iPhone users. The screen flash works by briefly increasing the display’s brightness, offering a noticeable visual signal. Users can choose to activate either the LED flash, the screen, or both simultaneously, providing redundancy and ensuring the alert is visible regardless of how the iPhone is positioned.
To enable the feature, users navigate to the Settings app, then to Accessibility, followed by Audio & Visual, and finally to Flash for Alerts. Within this menu, users can select their preferred method – LED Flash, Screen, or Both. Further customization options for the LED flash allow users to control whether it activates when the phone is in silent mode or even when the device is unlocked.
The addition of screen flashing as an alert option addresses a long-standing accessibility gap for iPhone users. Previously, iPhones lacked a dedicated notification LED, a common feature on many Android devices. While the camera flash alert provided a visual cue, it wasn’t always ideal, particularly in public settings or when the phone was in a bag. The screen flash offers a more subtle and versatile alternative.
Apple’s decision to expand these notification options aligns with a broader industry trend toward inclusive design. Increasingly, technology companies are recognizing the importance of catering to users with diverse needs, and accessibility features are becoming a standard expectation rather than an afterthought. The iOS 26.2 update demonstrates Apple’s commitment to providing a more accessible experience for all its users.
The feature isn’t without considerations. Apple advises users to disable the flash options in public and dark environments, such as movie theaters, to avoid disrupting others. While the screen flash is less intrusive than the camera flash, it’s still a noticeable visual cue that could be distracting in certain situations.
The implementation of screen flashing also highlights the ongoing evolution of smartphone notification systems. Traditional methods, such as sound and vibration, are often insufficient in noisy environments or for individuals with hearing impairments. Visual alerts, like the screen flash, offer a valuable supplementary channel for ensuring users don’t miss important information. The ability to combine the LED flash, screen flash, and traditional audio/vibration alerts provides a highly customizable notification experience.
Currently, the feature is available on iPhones running iOS 26.2. The update rolled out in December 2025, bringing this enhanced accessibility option to a wide range of iPhone models, including the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, iPhone 17, and the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation). Future iterations of iOS may introduce further refinements to the feature, such as the ability to customize the flash duration or color.
Beyond the immediate benefits for users with hearing impairments, the screen flash feature can be useful in a variety of everyday scenarios. For example, it can help users who are visually monitoring their surroundings, such as while waiting for an important call during a meeting, or those who prefer a visual confirmation of notifications without relying on sound. The flexibility of the feature makes it a valuable addition to the iPhone’s accessibility toolkit.
The addition of screen flashing to iOS 26.2 is a relatively small but significant update that demonstrates Apple’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and user experience. By providing more customizable and inclusive notification options, Apple is making its devices more usable and enjoyable for a wider range of individuals. The feature is a practical example of how thoughtful design can address the needs of diverse users and enhance the overall smartphone experience.
