Apple has released the RC (Release Candidate) version of the highly anticipated iOS 26.1 update to beta testers. This final step before the full release, expected next week, has finalized the list of iOS 26.1 improvements. Here are the key changes.
Main iOS 26.1 Updates: ‘Liquid Glass’ and Lock Screen
The biggest change is the addition of a new toggle for ‘Liquid Glass.’ Users can now choose between ‘transparent’ (the current design) and ‘tinted’ options by going to Settings > Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass. The tinted option changes the opacity level behind notifications and tab bars.
In addition, iOS 26.1 introduces another highly requested setting. The swipe gesture to open the camera on the lock screen can now be disabled by going to Settings > Camera > Swipe Lock Screen to Open. This option aims to prevent accidental camera activation.
With this update, Apple Intelligence gains support for eight new languages (Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, etc.), including Turkish. Additionally, the AirPods Live Translation feature now supports Chinese, Italian, Japanese, and Korean.
Apple is rebranding its streaming service, Apple TV+, as simply “Apple TV.” This change is accompanied by a vibrant new identity and a new icon for the TV app. Other minor changes include a “Slide to Unlock” interface for dismissing alarms and a swipe gesture for changing songs in the Music app.
iOS 26.1 RC is currently available for download for developer beta testers. The public stable version is expected to be released within a week.
So, what are your thoughts on the new features in iOS 26.1? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
