Apple’s latest iPhone software is iOS 26. Released in mid-September, it was followed by a small bug-fixing update in the form of iOS 26.0.1. Now there is the first major update, with new features as well as bug fixes, although dozens of security issues are also fixed here.
I held off on this post for a few extra hours because the release came later and I wanted to watch for responses a little longer. This article contains early thoughts on the new release and I will update this article over the coming week and add final thoughts on Wednesday, November 12th.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Getty Images
Who is it for and how can I get it?
The new iOS 26 software cycle, including this new iOS 26.1 update, is compatible with all iPhones from 2019. iPhone XS, XS Max and XR which were supported with iOS 18 are therefore not supported here. Instead, it’s the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 1 Pro Max models and every phone since. Besides the iPhone 12 series, iPhone 13 and so on up to the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air, it also includes the second and third generation iPhone SE models.
To update, go to the Settings app on iPhone, click General, then Software Update. Next, select Download and Install, and the software will download from there. This is a medium sized download, 2.62 GB on my iPhone 17 Pro Max.
What is it about
There are some new features in this update and while none are game-changing on their own, they add up to an improved iPhone. Liquid Glass now comes with a toggle to make certain parts of the interface clear or tinted (although this is not the slider some users requested). Now it’s not so easy to accidentally turn off an alarm when you want to snooze it in your semi-conscious state. Turning it off now requires a swipe motion to achieve. There are new languages for Live Translation, Apple Intelligence will be available in more languages and more. All the details here.
Apple iOS 26.1 Security
Another major change is the introduction of background security enhancements, meaning you can now choose to automatically download and install background security enhancements. You will no longer need to actively choose them and potentially leave your iPhone vulnerable until you do so. There are over 50 security fixes in this release, some of which could be critical. Forbes contributor Kate O’Flaherty has more details on this here.
Initial reactions
I found most of the responses positive, although as usual with an update thanks to the indexing that takes place, battery life took a hit for many users in the first 24 hours before returning to normal. For some, previous issues, such as choppy screens in CarPlay or shortcuts not working as they should, persisted. But new problems seem rarer.
Apple iOS 26.1 Initial Verdict: Update
With comments about improved smoothness and positive responses to the new Liquid Glass update, iOS 26.1 is off to a good start. I will continue to check reactions in the coming days and will report back next Wednesday.
