Apple is preparing to release iOS 26.1 in the coming weeks, bringing a range of updates and design improvements for iPhone users. The new version, currently in beta testing, is expected to arrive in early November and will be compatible with iPhone 11 and newer models, although some features will remain exclusive to the latest devices. iOS 26.1 focuses on enhancing everyday usability, offering more visual customization, and improving overall system security, with a variety of subtle refinements across the operating system.

One of the standout features of iOS 26.1 is a customizable Liquid Glass design. This design, which was first introduced in iOS 26, now allows users to adjust the transparency of the interface. By selecting between “Clear” and “Tinted” modes in the Display and Brightness settings, users can control how their iPhone’s interface looks and feels, providing a more personalized experience.

Apple has also made a small but practical change to the Clock app. Instead of tapping a large on-screen stop button, which some users found easy to press accidentally, iOS 26.1 introduces a “slide to stop” gesture for alarms and timers. This adjustment is intended to reduce accidental dismissals while adding a more tactile, physical-like interaction to managing alarms.

The update also includes improvements to the lock screen and Apple Music. A new option in Settings under Lock Screen allows users to disable the swipe-to-open camera shortcut, a helpful addition for those who often trigger the camera unintentionally. In Apple Music, users can now swipe left or right on the mini-player to switch between tracks, a feature that has long been requested by listeners for easier navigation.

In preparation for the Apple TV+ rebranding, iOS 26.1 introduces a redesigned, more colorful Apple TV app icon. The streaming platform will now simply be known as Apple TV. Additionally, Apple is expanding its Apple Intelligence and AirPods Live Translation features to include more languages such as Danish, Turkish, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, and Italian, among others, broadening accessibility for users worldwide.

Security has also been a focus of this update. A new option called Background Security Improvements will automatically install small security patches between major updates, replacing the previous Rapid Security Response system. This ensures that iPhones remain secure without requiring users to manually install minor updates.

iOS 26.1 is expected to roll out in the first half of November, following the conclusion of final testing. Users can anticipate smoother animations, performance optimizations, and a variety of quality-of-life improvements that refine the overall iPhone experience. With this update, Apple continues to balance aesthetic enhancements, functional upgrades, and strengthened security to provide a more polished and user-friendly mobile experience.