Apple released iOS 26 in September and is now preparing to unveil iOS 26.1, the next incremental iPhone software update. The update, which is now in Release Candidate (RC) stage, brings a mix of visual improvements including Liquid Glass, changes to camera controls and much more.
On Friday, an iOS developer and beta tester even announced the release of iOS26.1 RC2.
Release Candidate (RC) is a near-final version of the software, released to beta testers and developers before the public launch.
When is iOS 26.1 available?
Apple has not made any official announcement on the release date of iOS 26.1 for iPhone users.
However, Apple usually releases a CR a week or two before making an update available to everyone. It is therefore likely that the iPhone maker will follow the same schedule and release iOS 26.1 around the beginning of November – a week after the RC release, announced on Tuesday.
iOS 26.1: What’s new?
From Apple Music improvements to Liquid Glass to Alarm Gestures, here are the new features coming to iPhone users with the iOS 26.1 update.
1. More control over Liquid Glass
With iOS 26.1, Apple is giving its users more control to choose the appearance of the iPhone interface. The new “Liquid Glass” customization toggle allows users to adjust the transparency level of system backgrounds, allowing users to choose between “Clear” and “Tint” modes in the display and brightness settings.
“Clear is more transparent, revealing content underneath,” Apple writes for the setting, while “tinted increases opacity and adds more contrast.”
2. Swipe instead of tapping for alarms
No more pressing to stop alarms. Apple has now introduced a new “swipe to stop” gesture for alarms and timers, which could reduce accidental dismissals while adding a more natural tactile feel to waking up or managing countdowns.
3. Lock Screen Changes and Apple Music
With iOS 26.1, iPhone users can now disable the “slide to open camera” shortcut on the lock screen – something users might have triggered unintentionally before. In Apple Music, a simple swipe left or right on the mini player now switches between songs, making playback smoother and faster..
4. New look of Apple TV, wider language support
The new update also brings a more colorful Apple TV app icon. The service will now be called simply “Apple TV.” Apple is also expanding language support for its AI-powered Apple Intelligence and AirPods Live Translation features, adding Danish, Turkish, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese and Italian languages.
5. Background Security Improvements
iOS 26.1 also improves device protection with a new “Background Security Improvements” option.
The feature will automatically install small security patches between major updates, replacing the old Rapid Security Response system.
