Apple is preparing to release the iOS 26.1 update for iPhones, with a few features and changes that are useful. The update is all about personalisation, more user control, and some minor design updates that include the ability to change the look of the Liquid Glass interface and a better alarm system in the Clock app.
iOS 26.1 Release Timeline
Apple hasn’t released the iOS 26.1 Release Candidate yet, which is typically the final beta version before a public rollout. This means the update is unlikely to arrive in October. As per Apple’s usual release cycle, iOS 26.1 is now expected to launch in early November – possibly between November 3 and November 4 – depending on when the Release Candidate is pushed out to developers.
iOS 26.1 Features And Changes
One of the biggest additions is the Liquid Glass toggleallowing users to choose between two different appearances for the iPhone interface – “Clear” for a more transparent look and “Tinted” for a subtle, opaque finish.
Another welcome change is the “Slide to Stop” alarm control in the Clock app. Instead of tapping a large stop button (which users often hit accidentally), you’ll now need to slide to stop an alarm or timer – reducing accidental dismissals.
In the Settings app, Apple has also added a Lock Screen Camera toggleletting users disable the quick swipe gesture that opens the Camera app from the Lock Screen – a feature long requested by those concerned about unintentional camera launches.
Music lovers will get song swiping in Apple Music, allowing you to switch between tracks with a simple swipe gesture on the player.
Apple Intelligence and AirPods users are gaining more language support and greater accessibility across different regions.
Lastly, there is a new Background Security Improvements option under Privacy & Security settings. This will replace Rapid Security Responses to automatically install minor security updates between full iOS updates to keep iPhones secure.
