Apple has officially released iOS 26.1, the first major update since iOS 26 launched in September. The update is now available for iPhone 11 and later models, including the second-generation iPhone SE. Packed with visual tweaks, Siri improvements, and better alarm controls, iOS 26.1 focuses on polishing the user experience while expanding Apple Intelligence to more languages.
The most talked-about change in this release is the new Liquid Glass toggle. Apple’s signature translucent design, introduced with iOS 26, now gives users more control over how much background blur and depth they see. By adjusting the toggle in Settings, users can reduce translucency for a cleaner look or make it more transparent to highlight Apple’s layered design. It is a subtle but impactful personalization option that makes iOS 26.1 feel more adaptable to different preferences and environments.
Another major improvement comes to Alarms and Timers. With iOS 26.1, users must now swipe to stop or snooze alarms, which prevents accidental dismissals that have long frustrated iPhone owners. The gesture adds a tactile, intentional way to interact with the Clock app, aligning with Apple’s broader move toward gesture-based control. Alongside this, users finally have the option to turn off the Lock Screen Camera shortcut, reducing accidental camera launches when the phone is in a pocket or bag.
Siri also gets smarter and more stable in this update. Apple has fixed several issues affecting voice responses and accuracy in Portuguese, particularly where the assistant defaulted to web searches instead of direct answers. Siri now offers better pronunciation, new voice previews, and more consistent performance across devices. Together with new Apple Intelligence language support and expanded AirPods Live Translation availability, these improvements show Apple’s continued investment in making AI-driven features more global and reliable.
iOS 26.1 also includes under-the-hood enhancements and bug fixes. The Lock Screen bug that caused devices to sleep unexpectedly while using apps such as Calculator, Timer, or Notes has been resolved. Keyboard input for diacritical marks and character variants now works correctly, a fix that benefits multilingual users. AirDrop’s share sheet icon has been visually corrected, and HealthKit has been updated to improve blood pressure data handling and syncing accuracy.
Users will also notice smoother navigation across Music, TV, Fitness, Safari, and Photos, thanks to refined animations and system optimizations. Together, these updates make iOS 26.1 one of Apple’s most stable mid-cycle releases in recent years.
To install the iOS 26.1 update, go to Settings > General > Software Update on a compatible iPhone.
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