Apple has launched iOS 26.1, the first significant update since the release of iOS 26 in September. This update, available for all compatible iPhones, aims to enhance user experience with various improvements and fixes. Notably, it addresses user feedback regarding the Liquid Glass interface and the Lock Screen camera shortcut.

One of the standout features of iOS 26.1 is the new Liquid Glass Transparency Toggle. Users can now choose between a "Clear" or "Tinted" mode in the Display and Brightness settings. The Tinted mode increases opacity for better visibility of buttons and notifications, responding to concerns about text readability.

Another important addition is the option to disable the Lock Screen camera gesture, which has been a source of frustration for many users who accidentally opened the camera while their phone was in a pocket or bag. This feature can now be turned off in the Camera settings.

The update also brings enhancements to the Phone app, allowing users to disable haptic feedback when calls connect or disconnect. Additionally, the Alarms and Timers have been redesigned to require a "Slide to Stop" gesture, reducing accidental dismissals.

Apple has expanded language support in its on-device AI system, Apple Intelligence, which now includes Danish, Dutch, Turkish, and Vietnamese. The AirPods Live Translation feature has also been updated to support Japanese, Korean, and Chinese, improving real-time communication for users.

Music lovers will appreciate the new gesture controls in Apple Music, allowing users to swipe across the song title to skip tracks. The AutoMix transitions now work seamlessly over AirPlay, enhancing playback on compatible speakers.

Design changes include a shift from center-aligned to left-aligned headers in the Settings app and Home Screen folders, giving a cleaner look. The Phone keypad now features the Liquid Glass effect, while the Photos app has improved editing options.

In terms of security, iOS 26.1 introduces a new automatic background security update feature, allowing devices to receive critical patches without needing a full system update. The Fitness app now offers customizable workouts, enabling users to log sessions based on their preferences.

For creators, the update provides more control over recordings, including the ability to select a local storage location for call captures and adjust input gain for external microphones. FaceTime has also been improved for better audio quality on weak networks.

iPad users will benefit from the reintroduction of the Slide Over feature in iPadOS 26.1, allowing quick access to secondary apps. The update is available for all iPhones compatible with iOS 26, starting from the iPhone 11 and newer, as well as the iPhone SE (2nd generation). Users can download the update by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.