iOS 26.1 Update Arrives with Major Customization and Key Fixes

Apple has released the iOS 26.1 update to all compatible iPhones. This significant software rollout introduces a host of new features and refinements. The update focuses heavily on enhancing the user experience.

It directly addresses early feedback on the Liquid Glass interface. Key improvements include a new transparency toggle and a much-requested Lock Screen change.

Liquid Glass Gets a Tinted Mode and Lock Screen Gesture Control

A major new addition is the Liquid Glass transparency toggle. Users can now switch between Clear and Tinted modes in Settings. The Tinted option increases opacity for better contrast on buttons and menus.

According to Reuters, this change improves readability for many users. The difference is most visible on the Lock Screen and within app interfaces. This gives users more control over the visual aesthetic of their device.

Another standout feature resolves a long-standing frustration. Apple has finally added a setting to disable the Lock Screen camera swipe. This prevents the camera from accidentally opening in a pocket or bag.

The toggle is found in the Camera section of the Settings app. Turning it off disables the left-swipe gesture entirely. This simple fix has been widely requested for years.

Broader Enhancements and a Revamped iPadOS Multitasking Experience

The update brings refinements across the system. Alarms and timers now require a “Slide to Stop” gesture on the Lock Screen. This prevents accidentally dismissing an alarm when aiming for the snooze button.

Apple Intelligence expands to support eight new languages. These include Danish, Dutch, Swedish, and Turkish. This opens the AI features to a much wider global audience.

The iPadOS 26.1 update includes a major multitasking revival. Slide Over has been reintroduced alongside the window-based system from iOS 26. You can now quickly swipe to access a Slide Over app while other windows remain open.

This hybrid approach offers greater flexibility for power users. It combines the convenience of Slide Over with the power of full windowing. The update also brings a Vision Pro app to compatible iPad models.

The iOS 26.1 update delivers meaningful quality-of-life improvements. These new iOS 26.1 features refine the software based on real-world use. The update is available now for all iPhone 11 and later models.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the most important feature in iOS 26.1?

The new Lock Screen setting to disable the camera swipe is a major fix. It finally stops accidental camera activations. The Liquid Glass tinted mode is also a significant visual customization.

Can I turn off the new alarm slide gesture?

No, the “Slide to Stop” gesture for alarms is now mandatory. There is no setting to revert to the old tap-to-stop method. This design is intended to prevent oversleeping.

Which iPhones can download iOS 26.1?

The update is available for the iPhone 11 and all later models. It also supports the iPhone SE (2nd generation) and newer. Compatibility is identical to the initial iOS 26 release.

Does iPadOS 26.1 have the same changes?

Yes, iPadOS 26.1 includes almost all of the same feature updates. It also uniquely reintroduces the Slide Over multitasking feature. This enhances the iPad’s window management system.

What new languages does Apple Intelligence support?

Apple Intelligence now works in Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, and Swedish. It also supports Portuguese from Portugal, Turkish, Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese. This expands its reach significantly in Europe and Asia.