The initial excitement surrounding the iPhone 17 has settled, and iOS 26 is now powering hundreds of millions of devices. But Apple doesn't rest on its laurels. The first significant refinement to the operating system has arrived: iOS 26.1.
Developers received the initial beta version on September 22nd, allowing them to prepare their apps for the changes. After weeks of testing and refinement, the final version of iOS 26.1 became available to all users on November 3rd, bringing a host of subtle yet impactful improvements.
One of the most noticeable changes is the introduction of a “Liquid Glass” setting. This allows users to customize the appearance of their Lock Screen, choosing between the standard clear aesthetic or a new tinted look that adds a layer of opacity to apps and notifications.
For those who frequently travel or communicate with international contacts, iOS 26.1 expands the capabilities of Live Translation. It now supports Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, Korean, and Italian, and seamlessly integrates with AirPods for real-time interpretation.
Apple Music users will appreciate the refined experience. A simple swipe gesture on the MiniPlayer now allows for effortless navigation between tracks. Furthermore, AutoMix functionality extends to AirPlay-connected devices, creating a consistent listening experience throughout your home.
Content creators and audio enthusiasts will find new tools at their disposal. Gain control is now available for external USB microphones during local recording, offering greater precision and flexibility. Users can also specify custom save locations for these captured files.
The Fitness app gains a valuable feature: manual workout logging. This allows users to record activities not automatically tracked by the iPhone, providing a more comprehensive overview of their fitness journey.
A new Camera setting provides added control over convenience. Users can now toggle the Lock Screen swipe-to-open Camera function on or off, tailoring the experience to their preferences.
Even seemingly small improvements can make a big difference. FaceTime audio quality has been enhanced in low-bandwidth conditions, ensuring clearer conversations even with a weak connection.
Apple continues to prioritize safety, particularly for younger users. Communication Safety and Web content filters, designed to limit exposure to adult websites, are now enabled by default for existing child accounts aged 13-17 (age restrictions may vary by region).
Updating to iOS 26.1 is straightforward. The system will eventually prompt you to install the update automatically, but you can expedite the process by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update. Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the installation.
