Apple is set to release iOS 26.1, bringing some exciting new features including Liquid Glass customization, slide-to-stop alarms, lock screen improvements, Apple Music updates, and improved security features. The update, expected in early November 2025, will refine the iPhone experience.
Apple’s iOS 26 was just released in September and the tech giant is already preparing to roll out iOS 26.1, an incremental update that introduces several new features and improvements to improve the iPhone experience. Currently in the Release Candidate (RC) stage, iOS 26.1 promises a variety of updates, ranging from visual improvements like Liquid Glass to new gestures for alarms and much more. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect when the update becomes available.
When will iOS 26.1 be released?
Although Apple hasn’t officially confirmed the exact release date of iOS 26.1, we can make an educated guess based on past models. The Release Candidate (RC), which is the final step before public availability, was launched recently. Apple usually releases the final update around one to two weeks after the RC. Considering this, iOS 26.1 is expected to be available to all iPhone users around early November 2025, probably only a week after the RC version is released.
iOS 26.1: new features to watch out for
1. More control thanks to liquid glass customization
One of the most notable features of iOS 26.1 is the introduction of Liquid Glass customization. This feature gives iPhone users greater control over the appearance of system backgrounds. You can now adjust the transparency of the interface by choosing between two modes: “Clear” and “Tinted”.
Clear: This option makes backgrounds more transparent, allowing content underneath to be visible.
Tinted: This mode increases opacity, adding more contrast to system backgrounds.
Users can find these new options in the Display and Brightness settings, allowing them to fine-tune the look of their device based on their personal preferences.
2. New gesture for alarms
Apple makes the process of turning off alarms and timers more intuitive. With iOS 26.1, you will no longer need to tap to dismiss alarms. Instead, a “swipe to stop” gesture will be introduced. This change reduces the likelihood of accidentally dismissing an alarm, providing a more tactile and natural way to manage wake-ups and countdowns.
3. Lock screen and Apple Music improvements
iOS 26.1 brings several improvements to both the Lock Screen and Apple Music:
Lock screen customization: iPhone users can now disable the “swipe to open camera” shortcut on the lock screen, which can often be triggered unintentionally.
Apple Music Update: A small but powerful change to Apple Music, you can now swipe left or right on the mini player to skip between songs. This feature aims to streamline playback and speed up navigation through your music.
4. New look for Apple TV and improved language support
The update also brings notable changes to Apple TV. The app now sports a new, more colorful icon, and its name will simply be “Apple TV,” streamlining the branding.
Additionally, iOS 26.1 expands language support for Apple Intelligence and AirPods Live Translation based on Apple’s AI. The update will add Danish, Turkish, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese and Italian to the list of languages, making the translation features more versatile and accessible to a global audience.
5. Background Security Improvements
In terms of security, iOS 26.1 introduces a new feature called Background Security Improvements. This tool will automatically apply small security patches between major updates, providing continued protection for your device. This system replaces the previous Rapid Security Response, allowing iPhones to stay up to date with the latest security patches without waiting for the next big software release.
With iOS 26.1, Apple is focusing on improving user experience through customizable features, improved system performance, and enhanced security. Whether you’re looking forward to the new Liquid Glass customization or are excited about the changes to Apple Music, this update promises to improve your iPhone experience.
Keep an eye out for its release in early November and make sure your iPhone is ready to make the most of these new features. If you’re not already on iOS 26, the next update will definitely give you something to look forward to!
