iOS 26.1 is the next iPhone software update, which is about to be released. Even a release candidate is already with beta testers, so what we have here is probably the final product. However, before the public gets their hands on it, here’s what we can expect. First of all, what to expect? Second, why it matters; and finally, how to use the new controls that will appear once the update arrives on a device.
Liquid Glass Design and New Tinted Option in iOS 26.1
Liquid Glass, the new design language in iOS 26, is one example. Introduced, it adds depth to the translucency of the icons and chrome of the interface. The glass is polarizing. Some users like layered structures, while others think translucency poses a barrier to quick recognition. Apple’s answer in iOS 26.1 is a “Tint” option found in the Display and Brightness settings.
The end result is a subtle twist on everything Apple designs and added contrast on industrial edges that help icons and buttons appear more prominent without abandoning the overall appeal. It complements Apple’s previous guidelines, such as the Social Web Conspectus 2.1 which highlights the importance of color and luminance contrasts for viewing angles. It’s reasonable; Apple does not remove designs, but provides options to users. A mode closely integrated with the test results allows for better perception when light and exterior wallpapers are too bright.
Option to disable lock screen swipe to open camera
The swipe left gesture to launch the camera from the lock screen is a handy gesture when you need a quick shot and annoying when it triggers by mistake in your pocket or bag. iOS 26.1 finally gives you a way out: go to , open and turn off “Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera”. This simple toggle addresses one of the biggest complaints in all of the Apple Support Communities threads regarding accidental camera activations and resulting battery drain.
For power users, this also minimizes the friction of this gesture with other interactions on the lock screen. You can still access the camera via or long-press the action button on eligible iPhones.
Apple Intelligence adds languages and Live Translate modes
Apple Intelligence, Apple’s on-premises and private cloud AI suite, adds support for eight additional languages in iOS 26.1:
- Danish
- Norwegian
- Dutch
- Chinese
- Portuguese
- Swedish
- Turkish
- Vietnamese
For the first time, many more people in Europe and Asia can use features like writing aids and smarter summaries in their native language, rather than just English. Apple is also updating Live Translate modes for AirPods to add:
- Chinese
- Korean
- Japanese
- Italian
This is a quality of life improvement for travelers and bilingual households, and it highlights Apple’s continued progress in real-time translation as an academic area of rapid model advancement in assessment challenges such as WMT and business achievements. Whether in Chinese or Japanese, which together represent more than 100 languages, the impact is undoubtedly practical.
Dismissing the alarm now requires a simple swipe, reducing accidents
The giant lock screen button to silence alarms in iOS 26 was perhaps a little too convenient – a version fraught with friction. iOS 26.1 requires swiping to close, and when you’re barely awake, you’re less likely to accidentally tap. Many display improvements also remove friction in iOS: human factors fixes. For example, making it harder to drop something you don’t intend to drop.
Research by usability pioneers the Nielsen Norman Group indicates that adding even a brief interaction cost to “errors” will diminish these protections without slowing down intentional activities. If you use multiple alarms or sleep schedules in the Health app, this change should ensure that the correct notifications last until you dismiss them. The repetition remains the same.
In short, even though it’s just the first dot in the version number, it seems more meaningful. None of these modest adjustments would be too dramatic in isolation. Put them together and you get a pattern we’ve seen before with Apple: a significant redesign is delivered, changing or breaking down based on feedback.
Deployment Expectations, Adoption Trends, and How to Update
According to the developer’s notes for the release candidate, these are more improvements than changes under the hood, therefore rapid stabilization. Major iOS 26 releases have historically exceeded 70% adoption in a quarter, according to third-party analytics including Mixpanel. Tiny, high-impact changes are known to accelerate the learning trajectory.
When iOS 26.1 appears on your smartphone, access it from Settings > General > Software Update. If you feel less comfortable with Liquid Glass if your laptop has been powerless, need the camera to translate for you, or accidentally hit an alarm again, this will settle down quickly.
