Apple’s highly anticipated next major update for iPhone users, iOS 26.1, is now available in open beta after its developer-only beta. This update includes significant new features and improvements, along with improved performance and stability. Here are the details.
Apple Releases iOS 26.1 Open Beta
If you’ve previously participated in Apple’s public beta program, you can download iOS 26.1 directly from the Software Update screen in the Settings app. Just make sure the “Beta Updates” option is enabled.
Based on the release patterns of previous .1 versions, iOS 26.1 is expected to be available to all users in late October.
Featured Innovations
- New Language Support for Apple Intelligence: One of the most notable innovations is that Apple Intelligence, Apple’s artificial intelligence system, is now available in eight new languages, including Turkish, Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese, Swedish, Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese. AirPods Live Translation: AirPods’ live translation feature now supports Japanese, Korean, Italian, and both Simplified and Traditional Chinese.
- Apple Music Update: A new swipe gesture has been added to the Apple Music app to change tracks.
- Photos App: The video playbar has been redesigned and made more user-friendly.
- Calendar App: In Calendar’s List view, all events are now displayed full-width with colored highlights.
- Phone App: The Phone app’s keypad has been updated with the new “Liquid Glass” design.
- Hidden AI Feature: Evidence of MCP (Mobile Coprocessor) support, which will support future “agency AI” features, has also been found in iOS 26.1 code.
Since this is still in beta, Apple is expected to introduce more new features and changes in future versions of iOS 26.1.
