The final version of iOS 26.1 is now available for download on iPhone (Settings > General > Software Update). While not a major overhaul, this update introduces several new features designed to improve user experience, security, and address complaints about the previous iOS version.
Enhanced Alarm Control
Apple has updated the Alarm feature to prevent accidental taps that either dismiss or snooze the alarm. Now, to completely stop an alarm, users must slide their finger across an icon on the screen. The snooze function remains a simple tap, creating a clear distinction that requires users to be slightly more awake to fully turn off the alarm, helping to reduce oversleeping.
Toning Down Liquid Glass
The “Liquid Glass” interface, which was a polarizing feature in the initial iOS 26 release due to its transparency and resulting eye strain for some, has received a modification. iOS 26.1 adds a toggle in Settings > Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass that allows users to change the default “Clear” appearance to “Tinted,” which reduces the transparency of the effect. This gives users more control to tweak the look for better readability and comfort.
New Gesture Controls for Apple Music
A small but handy addition to Apple Music allows users to control playback right from the MiniPlayer. By swiping a finger across the MiniPlayer—the small bar at the bottom of the app that shows the currently playing track—users can now skip to the next track (swipe right) or the previous track (swipe left). This makes the MiniPlayer more functional for quick music control.
Streamlined Security Updates
iOS 26.1 introduces a toggle in Settings > Privacy & Security > Security Improvements that enables the automatic installation of background security improvements. These are minor, separate updates that provide ongoing protection to the iPhone between major software updates. Users are strongly advised to enable this feature to ensure their device remains safe from emerging threats without waiting for the next full iOS release.
Optional Camera Lock Screen Swipe
The ability to quickly open the camera by swiping left on the Lock Screen has long been available. iOS 26.1 now adds a new toggle in Settings that allows users to turn this feature off. This new “Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera” option addresses the issue of users accidentally launching the camera when they didn’t intend to, particularly since there are other ways to access the camera, such as the dedicated Camera Control button on newer iPhones.
