The eagerly awaited iPadOS 26.1 and iOS 26.1 Public Beta updates for iPhone and iPad users have been released. So, what awaits us in this new beta? Let’s take a closer look at all the new features!
What’s New in iPadOS 26.1 and iOS 26.1 Public Beta
The new beta version stands out with two significant changes. One takes iPhone users back in time, while the other is sure to bring a smile to iPad users’ faces.
Old iPhone users will immediately recognize this feature! A simple tap will no longer be enough to dismiss alarms and timers. Inspired by the old “Slide to Unlock” gesture, the company has brought back the Slide to Dismiss feature for alarms. This makes accidentally dismissing alarms while you’re sleepy a thing of the past. It’s both a nostalgic and highly functional innovation.
The Slide Over feature, removed with iPadOS 26 and long missed by multitaskers, returns with beta 2. Now you can place another app in a small window that floats over your apps. While the new Slide Over only supports a single app for now, it has a significant difference. You can now resize this window, which means greater flexibility when multitasking.
Other Notable Changes and Improvements
Besides these two major improvements, iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 beta 2 also feature other improvements. Here are the highlights:
- New Audio Controls: New audio controls, such as setting file save locations and adjusting the gain for those using an external microphone, have been added.
- Design Updates: Titles and app folders in the Settings menu now appear left-aligned.
- Vision Pro App: The Vision Pro app now includes a 3D model of your device.
- Calendar and Safari: Some changes made in the first beta have been reverted, and adjustments have been made based on user feedback.
Overall, beta 2 is said to be smoother and more stable on both iPhone and iPad than the first beta. If you’re waiting for the public release, you might not have to wait too long. The update is expected to be available to all users later this month. So, what do you think about these innovations? Don’t forget to share them with us in the comments!
