Apple has unveiled the Release Candidate (RC) for iOS 26.1 on Tuesday, following the introduction of iOS 26 just a month prior. The previous update brought significant features such as Liquid Glass, call screening capabilities, and other enhancements. The latest RC version includes additional settings and tools, including new controls for Liquid Glass and an option to upgrade security. As this is a test version, experts recommend installing it only on secondary devices, as it may contain bugs or exhibit reduced battery performance, according to CNET. Typically, Apple releases RC versions a week or two ahead of the official public launch, indicating that iOS 26.1 could be available soon.
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Enhanced Liquid Glass Controls
The iOS 26.1 RC provides users with greater customization options for the new Liquid Glass design. Users can navigate to Settings, then Display & Brightness, select Liquid Glass, and choose between Clear or Tinted options. Apple clarifies that the “Clear” option is more transparent, showcasing the underlying content, while “Tinted” boosts opacity and enhances contrast. Currently, this feature affects the Notification Center and search bars, but not the Home Screen. To personalize the Home Screen, users can long-press the screen, tap Edit, select Customize, and choose between Clear/Tinted along with Light, Dark, or Auto themes. For those who prefer not to use Liquid Glass, the option to reduce transparency is available in Settings under Accessibility and Display & Text Size.
Automatic Security Enhancements
A new feature named Background Security Improvements allows the iPhone to automatically install security updates. This can be found in Settings under Privacy & Security. Apple states that these improvements offer an additional layer of protection for the device between software updates. In the event that a fix introduces issues, users can manually remove it by tapping three dots (…) followed by Remove & Restart. This feature is reminiscent of the Rapid Security Responses (RSRs) that Apple introduced in 2023 but halted after iOS 16.5.1(c). This user-friendly feature ensures that the device remains secure without necessitating manual updates.
New Lock Screen Camera Control
The iOS 26.1 RC introduces a Lock Screen toggle designed to prevent the Camera from opening unintentionally. Users can access this feature by going to Settings, then Camera, and scrolling to find the Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera option. Apple explains that swiping left on the Lock Screen provides quick access to the Camera. Additionally, users can now disable haptic feedback that occurs when a call connects or ends by navigating to Settings, Apps, then Phone, and toggling off Haptics. This modification is intended to help users distinguish between vibration alerts and call-related feedback. Furthermore, the Local Capture tool now includes a Settings menu for managing video call recordings, allowing users to choose the storage location or opt for audio-only recordings. Apple adds that users can integrate Local Capture into the Control Center for easy recording during calls.
Improved Alarm Functionality
The iOS 26.1 RC enhances alarm safety by requiring users to swipe to stop the alarm instead of simply tapping it. This modification aims to minimize the chances of accidentally dismissing the alarm, which may be frustrating for heavy sleepers but ultimately helps ensure that users are awake.
Apple Music Track Switching
Users of Apple Music will now have the ability to swipe left or right on the song title to switch tracks. This feature is functional in both full-screen mode and the mini-player. During the swipe, the song title moves left or right, adding a dynamic visual element to the interface.
Expanded Language Support for Live Translation
The iOS 26.1 RC introduces new languages for Live Translation, enhancing accessibility for users of iPhones and AirPods. The newly supported languages include Mandarin (Simplified and Traditional), Italian, Japanese, and Korean.
Apple Intelligence Enhancements
Apple has broadened the language options available under Apple Intelligence, adding support for languages such as Traditional Chinese, Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, and Vietnamese. In List View, calendar events will now be color-filled along the bottom of the screen, improving visibility of daily schedules. The Photos app also receives a compact scrubbing bar for video playback, with play/pause and volume controls now aligned inline, simplifying the interface.
As reported by CNET, Apple may release one more RC version before the public update, but iOS 26.1 is anticipated to launch for all iPhones within a week or two, bringing users a host of new features.
FAQs
Q1. When is the expected release date for iOS 26.1?
Apple is likely to roll out iOS 26.1 to all iPhone users within the next week or two following the completion of the release candidate testing.
Q2. What new features will iOS 26.1 include?
iOS 26.1 will introduce new controls for Liquid Glass, automatic security updates, enhanced alarm management, and expanded language support for Apple Intelligence.
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