Apple has revealed the iOS 26.1 Release Candidate (RC), providing a full preview of the final version that is expected to roll out soon. This update introduces a mix of new features, performance improvementsAnd bug fixesall aimed at refining usability and fixing previous issues. With a file size of around 8.5 GB on the iPhone 17 Pro Max and build number 23B82, this RC version is likely the last step before the public release. Below you’ll find a detailed look at the biggest updates in iOS 26.1 in a new video from Brandon Butch.
Key UI Improvements
iOS 26.1 RC brings several updates to the user interface, focusing on improving both visual appeal And functionality:
- Photos app: Improved animations for slideshow, favorites, and hiding options create a smoother, more polished experience. Additionally, the updated video cleaner offers improved accuracy and smooth transitions.
- Phone application: A new “Liquid Glass” effect on the keypad introduces a sleek, modern design, enhancing the aesthetics of the call interface.
- Haptic feedback: Subtle vibrations now accompany call connections and disconnections, providing a layer of tactile feedback for a more engaging user experience.
These updates aim to make navigation more intuitive while adding a layer of visual sophistication to daily interactions.
Improved app functionality
Several built-in applications receive functional upgrades in this version, improving usability and expanding their capabilities:
- Music app: Gesture-based navigation now allows users to swipe left or right to skip tracks effortlessly. Plus, the new AutoMix feature, built into AirPlay, ensures smooth playback on compatible devices.
- FaceTime: Audio quality has been significantly improved, especially in low bandwidth conditions, ensuring clearer and more reliable communication even in difficult network environments.
These updates are designed to streamline app interactions and provide more functionality. pleasant and efficient experience for users.
System performance and battery optimization
Performance and efficiency remain at the heart of iOS 26.1, with several key improvements:
- System responsiveness: Benchmark tests, including Geekbench scores, indicate a slight improvement in performance compared to previous beta versions. This results in smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and an overall more responsive system.
- Battery life: Optimizations have been implemented to address issues in previous versions resulting in extended usage time, especially for power-intensive tasks such as gaming and video streaming.
These improvements guarantee a a more reliable and efficient experienceaimed at both casual and experienced users.
Gesture-based navigation and personalization
iOS 26.1 introduces new gesture controls and customization options, giving users greater flexibility and control:
- Timer app: A new swipe to stop gesture allows users to end timers with a simple swipe, making the app more intuitive to use.
- Camera settings: Users can now disable the swipe to camera gesture from the lock screen, reducing accidental activations and improving device security.
- Customizing the display: A “Liquid Glass” toggle in the display and brightness settings allows users to choose between clear or tinted screen appearances, allowing for a more personalized look.
These features allow users to tailor their devices to their preferences, thereby improving both functionality and customization.
Privacy and security improvements
Apple continues to prioritize user privacy and security with several key updates in iOS 26.1:
- Background security updates: Automatic installation of security patches ensures devices remain protected against emerging threats without requiring manual intervention.
- Siri Settings: The Apple Intelligence beta tag has been reinstated, signaling continued efforts to refine AI capabilities while maintaining transparency and user trust.
These updates reinforce Apple’s commitment to protecting user data and ensuring secure digital environment.
Bug fixes and additional features
In addition to major updates, iOS 26.1 fixes several minor issues and introduces new features to improve overall system stability:
- Fixed visual glitches in the AirDrop icon, ensuring a consistent and clean appearance.
- Fixed unexpected occurrences of device sleeping in apps like Calculator, Timer, and Notes, improving reliability during use.
- Introduced a regional warning for the photo cleanup feature in India, ensuring compliance with local regulations and user awareness.
- The code hints at a new private cloud computing server, called Compute Module 17A1, suggesting potential advancements in cloud-based services in future updates.
These fixes and additions contribute to a more stable and user-friendly experienceresolving both minor inconveniences and broader system improvements.
Release timeline
The final release of iOS 26.1 is expected early next week, likely Monday, November 3, 2025. Following this release, Apple is expected to release iOS 26.2 beta 1, continuing its iterative development cycle and introducing other improvements and features.
Refine the user experience
The iOS 26.1 release candidate highlights Apple’s continued commitment to improving the user experience through thoughtful updates and optimizations. From improved app functionality And system performance has robust privacy measuresThis update addresses user needs while laying the foundation for future advancements. As the final release approaches, iOS 26.1 promises to deliver a polished, reliable, and feature-rich experience for all users.
Explore other guides and articles from our extensive library that you may find relevant to your interests in iOS 26.1 release candidate.
Source and image credit: Brandon Butch
Filed under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News
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