IOS 26.1 Unveiled: Key Features and Changes Coming to Your iPhone Soon

October 29, 2025

Apple Rolls Out iOS 26.1 Release Candidate With Enhanced Security, Liquid Glass Adjustments

Cupertino, California – Apple has introduced the iOS 26.1 Release Candidate (RC) to developers and beta testers, more than a month after the initial launch of iOS 26. The latest iteration refines the user experience with adjustments to the recently introduced Liquid Glass design and boosts device security. This release arrives as Apple continues to iterate on features debuted in iOS 26, including enhanced call screening and a range of performance improvements.

New Liquid Glass Customization Options Unveiled

The iOS 26.1 RC grants users greater control over the aesthetic of Liquid Glass,the new visual design element introduced in iOS 26. Within Settings > Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass, users can now select between “Clear” and “Tinted” modes. Apple clarifies that “Clear” offers increased transparency, showcasing underlying content, while “Tinted” provides heightened opacity and contrast.

Notably, these adjustments currently affect elements like the Notification Center and certain search bars.Customization of Liquid Glass on the Home Screen remains available through a separate menu accessible by long-pressing the screen, selecting “Edit,” then “Customize”.

Enhanced Security Features Bolster iPhone Protection

A key addition in the iOS 26.1 RC is a new security feature enabling automatic installation of Security Improvements.This setting, found under Settings > Privacy & Security > Background Security Improvements, allows iPhones to download and install crucial security updates independently. Apple notes that these improvements may be temporarily removed in cases of compatibility issues but will be re-introduced with subsequent updates.

This initiative mirrors apple’s earlier Rapid Security Responses, launched in 2023, aiming to swiftly deliver security patches without requiring full software updates.Though, adoption of RSRs has been limited as its initial introduction with iOS 16.5.1 (c).

additional Tweaks And Improvements

Beyond Liquid Glass and security, the iOS 26.1 RC introduces several smaller enhancements. A new toggle in Settings > Camera prevents accidental Camera access from the Lock Screen. Furthermore, users can now disable haptic feedback when connecting or ending phone calls in settings > Apps > Phone. The update also refines the Apple Music experience, enabling song changes via swipe gestures on the song title, and expands Live Translation support to include several additional languages: Chinese (Mandarin, simplified), Chinese (Mandarin, traditional), Italian, Japanese, and Korean.

A subtle yet functional update to the Calendar app now colors calendar events throughout the entire bottom portion of the screen in List View. Additionally, the video scrubbing bar within the Photos app has been streamlined for a cleaner interface.

Did You Know? Apple’s commitment to security continues to evolve, with features like Security Improvements and Rapid Security Responses demonstrating a proactive approach to protecting user data.

Release Timeline & Considerations

As a Release Candidate, this version is intended for testing and may contain bugs. Apple typically releases a final version one to two weeks after the RC.Users are advised to install the RC on a non-primary device to avoid potential disruptions.

Understanding iOS Release Cycles

Apple’s iOS updates follow a predictable cycle: initial beta releases for developers, followed by public beta programs, and culminating in a final release. Release candidates represent the final testing phase before a public rollout, indicating a high degree of stability. Understanding this cycle helps users manage expectations and plan for updates.

phase	Audience	Stability
Developer Beta	Registered Developers	Lowest
Public Beta	General Public (opt-in)	Low
Release Candidate (RC)	Developers & Beta Testers	High
Final Release	General Public	Highest

Frequently Asked Questions About iOS 26.1

• What is a Release Candidate? It’s the final beta version before the public release,undergoing final testing.
• Is it safe to install the iOS 26.1 RC on my main iPhone? It’s not recommended due to potential bugs. Install on a secondary device if possible.
• What is Liquid Glass? It’s a new visual design language introduced in iOS 26,altering the appearance of certain interface elements.
• How do I turn off haptic feedback during calls? Go to Settings > apps > Phone and toggle off the “Haptics” setting.
• Where can I find the Background Security Improvements setting? Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Background Security Improvements.
• Will these updates slow down my iPhone? Apple designs updates to improve performance, but initial RC versions can sometimes cause temporary slowdowns.
• What are Rapid Security Responses? These are fast security patches Apple can deploy without a full iOS update.

What features are you most excited to try in the new iOS release? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What are the key improvements to Siri’s functionality in iOS 26.1?

Enhanced AI Integration: Siri Gets a Major Upgrade

iOS 26.1 is heavily focused on artificial intelligence, and the biggest beneficiary is Siri. Expect a substantially more conversational and contextually aware Siri experience.

* Predictive Assistance: Siri will proactively offer suggestions based on your routines and app usage. such as, suggesting you start your commute home at a specific time based on traffic conditions.

* Improved Natural Language Processing: Understanding complex requests and nuanced language is a core betterment.Say goodbye to frustratingly misinterpreted commands. this impacts voice search, dictation, and overall Siri interaction.

* On-Device AI Processing: Apple is doubling down on privacy by processing more AI tasks directly on your iPhone, reducing reliance on cloud connectivity for common functions. This boosts speed and security.

* Siri Shortcuts Evolution: Shortcuts are becoming even more powerful, with a redesigned interface and enhanced automation capabilities. Users can now create more complex workflows with greater ease.

Revamped Photos App with Advanced Editing Tools

The Photos app in iOS 26.1 receives a substantial overhaul, focusing on organization and creative editing.

* Semantic Search: Beyond recognizing objects and scenes, the Photos app now understands relationships within your photos. Search for “photos of my dog with my daughter” and get accurate results.

* AI-Powered editing: New editing tools leverage machine learning to offer intelligent adjustments. Features include:

* Sky Replacement: Effortlessly change the sky in your photos with realistic results.

* Object Removal: Cleanly remove unwanted objects from your images.

* Automatic Color Correction: Intelligently enhance colors and tones for a more vibrant look.

* Enhanced Memories: Memories are now more dynamic and personalized, with improved music suggestions and cinematic transitions.

* Live Text Expansion: Live Text now supports more languages and can interact with text within videos, allowing you to copy, translate, or look up details.

Interaction updates: Messages & facetime

Apple continues to refine its communication apps with features designed to enhance connection and expression.

* Messages – Richer Reactions: Expanded reaction options with customizable effects. Tap and hold on a message to access a wider range of expressive reactions.

* FaceTime – Collaborative Viewing: SharePlay now supports synchronized viewing of streaming services and collaborative browsing within Safari during FaceTime calls.

* Improved Call Screening: Enhanced call screening features help filter out spam and unwanted calls more effectively.

* Focus Filters Expansion: Focus filters now extend to Messages, allowing you to silence notifications from specific contacts or groups during designated Focus modes.

Privacy & Security Enhancements

Apple remains committed to user privacy,and iOS 26.1 introduces several key security updates.

* advanced Data Protection: Expanded end-to-end encryption for more iCloud data categories, including device backups.

* Privacy Report Improvements: A more detailed Privacy Report provides greater transparency into how apps are accessing your data.

* Passkey Support Expansion: Passkeys,a more secure option to passwords,are now supported by more websites and apps.

* Enhanced Tracking Prevention: Further refinements to Intelligent Tracking Prevention in Safari to block cross-site tracking.

Accessibility Features: Making iOS More Inclusive

iOS 26.1 builds on Apple’s commitment to accessibility with new features designed to empower users of all abilities.

* Live Speech: A new feature that allows users to type and have their text spoken aloud in real-time, aiding communication for individuals with speech impairments.

* Personal Voice: Users can create a digital voice that sounds like them, to be used with Live Speech or othre assistive technologies.

* Improved voice control: More accurate and responsive voice control for navigating the iPhone and interacting with apps.

* Enhanced Switch Control: refinements to Switch Control for users who rely on assistive switches to operate their devices.

Practical Tips for a Smooth iOS 26.1 Update

* back Up Your iPhone: Before updating, always back up your iPhone to iCloud or your computer to safeguard your data.

* Check Storage Space: ensure you have sufficient free storage space on your iPhone to accommodate the update.

* Charge Your Battery: make sure your iPhone is adequately charged (at least 50%) or connected to a power source during the update process.

* Stable Wi-Fi Connection: A stable Wi-fi connection is crucial for a successful update. Avoid using cellular data.

* Review Compatibility: Confirm that your iPhone model is compatible with iOS 26.1. (Generally, iPhones released within the last 5-6 years will be supported).

Real-World Example: The Impact of Semantic Search in Photos

A photographer using iOS 26.1 was able to quickly locate a specific photo from a recent family vacation by searching “photos of my son building a sandcastle at the beach.” Previous iOS versions would have required multiple searches using