Apple’s next iPhone update focuses on polish, not flash
Apple is gearing up to release iOS 26.1, the first major update since the debut of iOS 26 — and while it’s not packed with huge new features, it’s full of meaningful tweaks that make your iPhone smoother, smarter, and easier to use.
Think of this as Apple’s “fine-tuning” update — fixing the quirks, improving readability, and giving you more control over personalization.
1. Liquid Glass gets smarter — and easier on the eyes
The flashy Liquid Glass design that arrived with iOS 26 looked stunning but divided users over visibility. Now, iOS 26.1 introduces a transparency toggle that lets you choose between Clear and Tinted modes.
This small change makes a big difference, especially for users who found the new UI too bright or hard to read. Plus, Liquid Glass visuals are now coming to the Phone app, giving your dialer the same modern aesthetic.
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2. You can finally turn off the lock screen camera shortcut
Accidentally launching the camera while pulling your phone out of your pocket? We’ve all been there. With iOS 26.1, you can disable the camera shortcut on the lock screen — no more random photos of your ceiling.
3. Haptic control for calls
Not a fan of your iPhone buzzing when a call connects or ends? Apple’s giving you the option to turn off haptic feedback for calls. It’s a small but thoughtful addition for users who prefer a more silent experience.
4. Alarms redesigned to stop accidental snoozes
Apple’s also improving the alarm interface. Instead of tapping, you’ll now swipe to turn off alarms, reducing the chance of hitting snooze half-asleep. It’s subtle, but it might actually help you get up on time.
5. Apple Intelligence expands to more languages
Apple’s AI system, Apple Intelligence, is expanding globally. iOS 26.1 adds support for several new languages, including Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, Chinese (Traditional), and Vietnamese.
Meanwhile, AirPods Live Translation also gets an upgrade with Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Mandarin support — making real-time translation even more useful.
6. Apple Music gestures and smoother playback
Listening to music just got easier. You can now swipe between tracks directly on the player, making it faster to skip or replay without hunting for buttons.
This small UI update makes Apple Music feel a lot more intuitive — and yes, smoother animations are part of the deal too.
7. Apple Fitness adds custom workout plans
Fitness fans, rejoice. iOS 26.1 lets you create your own workout routines in the Apple Fitness app — choosing activity type, duration, start time, and even calorie goals.
It’s perfect for those who want a more personalized fitness journey instead of sticking to preset workouts.
8. Apple TV and Settings get cleaner designs
The Apple TV app now sports a refreshed, more colorful icon and a simplified name. It’s a visual refresh that fits the new iOS design language.
Meanwhile, the Settings app is now better aligned and left-justified, giving it a tidier, more professional layout.
9. Photos and Safari feel smoother and more refined
The Photos app has been redesigned with a new video scrubber, a frosted navigation bar, and a more accessible top menu for quick actions like Slideshow, Favorite, and Hide.
Safari also gets a softer, wider tab bar — a small touch that makes browsing feel cleaner and more modern.
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Bonus: Bug fixes and stability improvements
iOS 26.1 isn’t just about looks. It also fixes display glitches and lock screen issues that cropped up after the iOS 26 rollout. Overall, it feels smoother, faster, and more consistent across the board.
When can you get iOS 26.1?
According to MacRumors, Apple will release iOS 26.1 next week. While you can test it early via the beta program, Apple recommends waiting for the public version for maximum stability.
Final thoughts
iOS 26.1 might not reinvent the wheel, but it refines nearly every part of the iPhone experience — from design polish to smarter personalization. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best updates are the ones that quietly make your device feel better every day
