The first major update to iOS 26 has rolled out, and this one is all about fixing some annoyances that iPhone users have had not only since the new update but also with some previous versions. The update, which is now available on Apple’s software update page on all iPhones, brings a couple of fixes as well as improvements to the overall iPhone experience.
As usual, it is recommended that you create a backup prior to downloading the software update. Additionally, you should latch on to a Wi-Fi network for downloading the update package in a bid to save on your data costs. The update is available for all users on iOS 26, which includes iPhone models as old as the iPhone 11 series.
iOS 26.1 features: What do you get
The most significant change is the introduction of a dedicated toggle for the new Liquid Glass interface. While the transparent design of the UI was expected to be visually striking, many users found the translucency distracting, affecting text readability. As an immediate response, iOS 26.1 now offers users a choice under Settings > Display & Brightness. Users can opt for the original, more transparent “Clear” look or switch to a new “Tinted” mode. The Tinted setting increases opacity and contrast behind menus, buttons, and notifications, enhancing the legibility.
Then there’s the ability to disable the Lock Screen’s swipe-left-to-open Camera gesture. This feature, which initially resulted in accidental camera launches when retrieving the phone from a pocket or bag, can now be toggled off entirely within the Camera settings.
Beyond visual fixes, iOS 26.1 fine-tunes several core app behaviours. The Clock app has been modified to prevent accidental dismissals – turning off an alarm now requires a “slide to stop” gesture instead of a quick tap, ensuring the user is truly awake before silencing the notification. Apple Music users can now swipe left or right on the MiniPlayer at the bottom of the screen to quickly skip or replay tracks.
Apple Intelligence expands its core language support to include new regions such as Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, and Vietnamese. Simultaneously, the AirPods Live Translation feature gains critical language options, including Japanese, Korean, Italian, and both Simplified and Traditional Chinese, enhancing the device’s real-time, hands-free communication capabilities.
Security also sees a major upgrade with the introduction of Background Security Improvements. This new feature silently and automatically downloads and installs critical security patches, even when there’s no major iOS update coming. This allows disbursing faster protection against emerging threats.
Other notable iOS 26.1 changes include:
– New gain controls for external USB microphones when recording with the local capture function.
– Manual workout logging available directly in the Fitness app.
– An option to disable the haptic feedback when calls connect or disconnect.
– The rebrand of the streaming service from Apple TV+ to the simpler “Apple TV,” along with by a refreshed, colourful app icon.
