iOS 26.1 Brings Back Classic 2007 Feature in a Modern Way

Apple is set to release iOS 26.1, an update nodding back to one of the iPhone’s earliest innovations: the “slide” functionality. According to MacRumors, the new update revamps the Clock app’s alarm feature by replacing the “Stop” button with a fresh “slide to stop” method.

Slide to Stop: A Nostalgic but Practical Change

In the current iOS 26, tapping a simple “Stop” button to silence alarms has led to accidental shut-offs, often resulting in oversleeping. With iOS 26.1, users will need to slide to silence the alarm, reminiscent of the old “slide to unlock” feature pioneered in 2007’s iPhone models.

This tweak is seemingly minor but addresses a common user complaint while adding a touch of nostalgia for those familiar with the original iPhone’s lock mechanics. Apple’s update underscores its commitment to refining usability, ensuring features work better in users’ daily lives. It offers a retro-style solution for those who want to prevent inadvertently silencing their alarms.

iOS 26.1 Release Timeline

MacRumors reports that Apple has released the iOS 26.1 Release Candidate to developers and beta testers earlier this week. This usually indicates that a public release is imminent, likely slated for early next week, possibly on Monday or Tuesday, for supported iPhones.

A Quick Recap of iOS 26.1 Changes

Aside from this callback to the past, iOS 26.1 introduces various subtle tweaks and visual upgrades across the system. Users can now tweak the appearance of the Liquid Glass design, alongside enjoying general performance improvements and bug fixes.

However, the “slide to stop” stands out not just as a functional change but for its design nostalgia, subtly tying modern iPhones to their 2007 origins.

Would a feature like this improve your iPhone experience? We’d love to hear your thoughts.