Features, Release Candidate, expected release date and all details you need to know

Apple has rolled out iOS 26.1 for beta testers, which is expected to be the final build before the public release. The update brings several new features, visual tweaks, and developer tools, along with multiple bug fixes and performance improvements.
According to Apple’s official release notes, iOS 26.1 includes all the features added throughout the beta cycle since September — including expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities, a new Liquid Glass appearance toggle, and more refined system controls.
The update also introduces new developer frameworks aimed at improving cross-platform data transfers and cloud integration.
Story continues below this ad

AppMigrationKit enables seamless data transfer for iPhone users switching to Android, letting developers build support for essential data migrations.
PhotoKit allows third-party photo and cloud storage apps to perform background photo backups, so users no longer need to keep apps open for uploads to continue.

iOS 26.1 new features

Liquid Glass toggleUsers can now adjust the transparency of the Liquid Glass interface via Settings > Display & Brightness, choosing between Clear and Tinted modes for a more customised look.
Lock screen swipe controlA new option allows users to disable the swipe-to-open camera gesture on the lock screen (Settings > Camera > Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera), preventing accidental camera activation.
Local capture and audio controlsThe update adds options to adjust gain levels when recording with an external microphone and introduces a Local Capture section in Settings to select preferred file storage locations.
Expanded Apple Intelligence languagesApple Intelligence now supports additional languages for Live Translation in AirPods, including Mandarin (Simplified and Traditional), Italian, Japanese, and Korean.The feature also expands to new regions, with support for Traditional Chinese, Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, and Vietnamese.
New gestures

In Apple Music, users can now swipe on the MiniPlayer to skip or go back to tracks.
Alarms and timers now require a slide-to-stop motion instead of a tap, reducing accidental dismissals.

Other updates

Users can disable haptic feedback for call connections and disconnections.
The Apple TV app icon has been redesigned.

Supported devices
The following iPhone models will receive the iOS 26.1 update:

iPhone 17 series: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air
iPhone 16 series: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e
iPhone 15 series: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14 series: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13 series: iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12 series: iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11 series: iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE: 2nd generation and later

Expand © IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd