- New Liquid Glass setting with Clear and Tinted options to improve readability.
- Background security: automatic installation of "Security Improvements".
- Useful controls: disable camera gesture on the locked screen and swipe to stop alarms.
- More languages for Apple Intelligence and Live Translation; gestures in Apple Music.
After several betas and the release candidate, Apple has begun the general rollout of iOS 26.1 with tangible changes in interface, security, and system functions. The update arrives as the first major overhaul to iOS 26 and focuses on visual adjustments, lock screen controls, and privacy improvements.
In Spain and the rest of Europe, the version introduces New languages for Apple Intelligence and Live TranslationIt also includes a silent, background security patching system. You can find it in Settings > General > Software Update and follow the on-screen instructions.
Liquid Glass: more control over transparency
iOS 26.1 includes a selector to customize the Liquid Glass effect. Settings > Display & brightness > Liquid Glass you can alternate between Clear (more transparent) or Tinted (more opaque and with greater contrast)The adjustment primarily affects elements such as the Notification Center or certain search bars.
If you want to tweak the appearance of your desktop, Press and hold on the home screen > Edit > Customize, and choose Clear or Tinted iconsYou can also alternate between Light, Dark or Automatic to adjust the assembly. Another way is Settings > Accessibility > Display and text size > Reduce transparency.
Safety in the background: less friction, more protection
One of the most practical new features is Background Security ImprovementsThis feature allows you to download and install security updates without waiting for a full iOS version. Activate it in Settings > Privacy & Security > Security Improvements.
Apple explains that, in specific compatibility cases, these improvements may temporarily withdraw and be perfected in a later update.It is an evolution of the Rapid Security Responses system, with the advantage of automating the process and reducing risks from delayed patches.
Locked screen, camera and calls
You can now disable the gesture to open the Camera from the lock screen: go to Settings > Camera and turn it off Swipe on the locked screen to open CameraIt's useful for preventing accidental openings when taking your phone out of your pocket.
In the Phone app, iOS 26.1 adds a toggle to turn off vibration when A call connects or hangs upYou'll find it in Settings > Apps > Phone > Haptics.
Alarms and timers: swipe to stop
The watch alarms now require a gesture slide to stop from the locked screen, while postpone It's still just a touch. This reduces errors when waking up and prevents accidentally turning off the alarm.
If you prefer touch behavior, you can enable it in Settings > Accessibility > Touch Prefer actions with a touch to restore the classic stop button.
Apple Intelligence and Live Translation: More languages
iOS 26.1 expands Apple Intelligence to Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, Traditional Chinese and VietnameseIf you have a compatible iPhone, go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri to activate it.
Live Translation with AirPods adds Mandarin Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Italian, Japanese, and Korean, a very interesting improvement for travel and work in the EU.
Music, TV and other apps: gestures and visual tweaks
On Apple Music, you can now change songs by sliding about the title in the player (mini or full screen). Additionally, AutoMix is supported via AirPlay on compatible devices.
La The TV app adopts a more colorful icon in line with Liquid Glass.while the Fitness app allows create custom workouts and manually record sessionsSmall changes, but appreciated for everyday life.
Photos debuts a more compact video progress bar and slightly improved navigation more visible on light backgroundsIn Safari, the bottom tab bar gains width and consistency when transparency is reduced.
In Settings and in the folders on the home screen, the titles are left-aligned to improve consistency and readabilityThe Phone's numeric keypad adopts Liquid Glass; the system wallpapers are updated with iOS 26 themes, and the new setting appears. Display Borders in Accessibility, replacing Button shapes.
Local recording and external microphones
Local Capture gains its own menu in Settings > General > Local Capture to choose the save location of your call recordings and a switch to record only audio. Add its control to the Control Center for easy access.
Hay Gain control for external USB microphones Recording with Local Capture and audio enhancements in FaceTime under low bandwidth conditions should result in clearer calls.
iPadOS 26.1: Slide Over is back
On iPad, iPadOS 26.1 reintroduces Slide OverThis feature works in conjunction with iPadOS 26's window management system, allowing you to bring one app on top of another when needed. It's activated from the green resize button, using the "Enter Slide Over" option.
The iPad also allows adjust gain when using external microphones, which is very useful for recordings and video calls.
Availability, parental controls, and how to update
iOS 26.1 is available for all iPhones compatible with iOS 26To install it: Settings > General > Software update > Update now. If it doesn't appear immediately, try again later or using Wi-Fi.
For families in Europe, iOS 26.1 is active by default. Communication Safety and web filters These settings restrict adult content on child accounts for ages 13-17 (age varies by country or region). Review these settings in the Privacy and Security section.
With Visual adjustments to improve readability, Automatic background security And with small changes that polish the daily experience, iOS 26.1 arrives as a fine-tuning well-oriented to the most common complaints of iOS 26 without redoing what already worked.
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