Apple has officially started the rollout of iOS 26.1, marking the first significant update since the launch of iOS 26 in September. This version enhances the iPhone experience with practical improvements, visual updates, and crucial fixes that boost everyday usability. Central to iOS 26.1 is an increased emphasis on personalization and performance. A notable new feature is the Liquid Glass Transparency Toggle, located in the Display & Brightness settings, allowing users to customize the translucency of the interface. iPhone users can select between “Clear” and “Tinted” modes, with the Tinted option slightly darkening elements like buttons and notifications for better contrast and visibility—a thoughtful response to one of the main complaints following the iOS 26 launch.
Another long-awaited adjustment is the option to disable the Lock Screen camera gesture. For years, accidental camera activations have caused annoyance, especially when devices were in bags or pockets. With iOS 26.1, Apple now permits users to deactivate the left-swipe gesture from the Lock Screen without fully disabling the camera. The Phone app also receives subtle yet significant customization options. Users can turn off haptic feedback during call connections or disconnections, ideal for those who find vibrations distracting. Furthermore, Alarms and Timers now include a “Slide to Stop” gesture on the Lock Screen, minimizing accidental dismissals and enhancing intentional user interactions. Apple Intelligence, the company’s on-device AI, has expanded its linguistic support, now accommodating Danish, Dutch, Turkish, and Vietnamese.
Additionally, AirPods Live Translation now includes Japanese, Korean, and Chinese, offering real-time conversation translation for a broader audience using AirPods Pro 2, Pro 3, and AirPods 4. For music lovers, Apple Music introduces gesture-based shortcuts, enabling users to swipe across song titles to skip tracks. The AutoMix feature also functions over AirPlay, ensuring smoother transitions between songs on compatible speakers. Visually, iOS 26.1 refines various system apps. The Settings app and Home Screen folders now feature left-aligned headers for a cleaner appearance. The Phone keypad adopts the Liquid Glass style, while the Photos app benefits from an improved video slider and reorganized editing tools. Safari’s slightly wider tab bar offers a more compact and efficient browsing experience.
Security is a priority in this update. A new automatic background security update system replaces the Rapid Security Response, enabling users to receive critical patches seamlessly without requiring full system updates. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate customizable workouts, allowing users to manually set workout types, calories, and durations. Accessibility enhancements include a “Display Borders” feature that outlines buttons for improved visibility, replacing the previous “Button Shapes” option. For professionals, iOS 26.1 improves recording controls, allowing users to select storage locations for call recordings and adjust input gain for external microphones. FaceTime also benefits from enhanced audio quality in weak network conditions.
Meanwhile, iPadOS 26.1 reintroduces the Slide Over multitasking feature and adds a Vision Pro app, further integrating iPads with Apple’s expanding spatial computing ecosystem. The iOS 26.1 update is now available for all devices compatible with iOS 26, including iPhone 11 and newer models, as well as the iPhone SE (2nd generation). Users can install the update by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
