Everything New in iOS 26.1 Update: Just Subtle Fixes

Apple’s iOS 26.1 update is on the horizon, and while it’s a smaller release following iOS 26’s big redesign, it packs a punch by addressing bugs and introducing fresh features. The update mostly focuses on usability tweaks and giving users more control over their devices. This information is according to Cult of Mac and Mashable.

Liquid Glass Gets a Tinted Makeover

The Liquid Glass design from iOS 26, which caught eyes but sometimes made text and buttons a bit tough to see, is being refined in iOS 26.1. Apple now includes a Tinted mode in Settings > Display & Text Size to add subtle contrast without losing that sleek glassy vibe. Users also have the option to go for the Clear style or reduce transparency thanks to accessibility settings if a simpler look is preferred.

In addition, Liquid Glass gets some visual tweaks with:

• Softer glows when interacting with fields and menus
• A snappier, livelier animation for the Control Center
• Keypad buttons in the Phone app getting a fresh reflective gloss
• Video playback controls in Photos becoming more distinct

Apple seems to be aiming for a design that’s functional yet still holds onto its unique flair.

Slide to Stop: Alarms Get Intentional Again

A sense of nostalgia is hitting iOS 26.1 as Apple reintroduces the slide gesture for turning off alarms. Instead of just tapping a button, users can now swipe to stop their alarms, reminiscent of the old “slide to unlock” feature. This tweak aims to cut down on accidentally dismissing alarms, adding some calm to your mornings.

Disable Accidental Camera Launches from Lock Screen

For those who find their camera app launching in their pockets, iOS 26.1 has a fix in store. Users can now turn off the Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera feature located in Settings > Camera. It helps prevent those accidental swipes, while still making the camera accessible via the Control Center.

More Languages Join Apple Intelligence and AirPods Translation

In its ongoing push to expand AI capabilities, Apple is rolling out support for eight new languages in Apple Intelligence, with additions like Danish, Dutch, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. Similarly, AirPods Live Translation is gaining languages such as Japanese, Korean, and Italian, broadening accessibility for international users.

iPad Multitasking Returns Stronger Than Before

The iPadOS 26.1 release sees the comeback of the well-loved Slide Over mode, which allows users to open floating app windows that hover over existing apps. It now more closely resembles picture-in-picture functionality — windows can be resized, moved off-screen, and brought back with a simple swipe. Mac-like shortcuts (⌘H, ⌥⌘H, ⌥⌘W) have also been added for quicker multitasking.

Other Subtle Yet Handy Updates

Several other useful tweaks come with iOS 26.1:

• You can manually log workouts in Fitness with calorie estimates
• Adjust external microphone levels directly from the Control Center
• Decide where to save Local Capture recordings, whether audio or video
• An option to turn off phone call vibrations
• A new rainbow Apple TV logo reflecting the rebranded “Apple TV” app
• Left-aligned labels and reorganized menus in Photos for simpler navigation
• Automatic security updates to keep devices protected

When Will iOS 26.1 Arrive?

As per Cult of Mac, iOS 26.1 is now in the release candidate stage for developers and is set to go live on Monday, November 2, at 11 a.m. Pacific Time. Once it’s available, users can download it via Settings > General > Software Update.

While iOS 26.1 might be tagged as a point update, its refinements to aesthetics, multitasking, and security suggest Apple’s intent on polishing iOS 26 into the smoother and more refined version it aspired to be.

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