Apple has released iOS 26.1, the latest incremental update to its mobile operating system, bringing a suite of enhancements focused on customisation, accessibility, security, and multilingual support for iPhone users worldwide. Rolled out on November 3, 2025, the update emphasises greater personalisation through expanded control over the Liquid Glass aesthetic—a translucent, dynamic interface design introduced in iOS 26—while addressing user feedback on everyday usability. Compatible with iPhone 12 and later models, iOS 26.1 arrives amid Apple's push toward AI integration via Apple Intelligence features, though it primarily refines existing tools rather than introducing groundbreaking changes. The update's size is approximately 1.2 GB, and users are encouraged to install it over Wi-Fi to avoid data charges.

One of the standout additions is the enhanced Liquid Glass customisation, allowing users to toggle between Clear or Tinted modes for a more tailored visual experience. Accessible via Settings > Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass, this feature extends to Home Screen edits, where long-pressing the screen and selecting Customise lets owners apply effects to app icons and choose Light, Dark, or Auto themes. Alarm management sees a practical tweak to prevent accidental dismissals, requiring a swipe to silence rather than a tap, promoting better wake-up routines. Security receives a boost with automatic background updates enabled in Settings > Privacy & Security > Background Security Improvements, ensuring devices stay protected without manual intervention. Additionally, a new toggle in Settings > Camera prevents unintended Lock Screen camera launches, ideal for avoiding mishaps in pockets or bags.

iOS 26.1 expands global accessibility with broader language support for key features. Live Translation, a real-time audio and text converter that debuted in iOS 26, now includes Italian, Japanese, Korean, and variants of Chinese (simplified and traditional Mandarin), enhancing cross-cultural communication for travellers and multilingual households. Apple Intelligence, Apple's suite of on-device AI tools, gains compatibility in Danish, Norwegian, Dutch, Portuguese (Portugal), Turkish, Swedish, Vietnamese, and traditional Chinese, broadening its utility for non-English speakers. Call handling improves with a dedicated setting to disable haptics for incoming or ending calls in Settings > Apps > Phone, reducing notification confusion. A fresh accessibility option in Settings > Accessibility > Touch allows single-tap actions over swipes, aiding users with motor challenges.

Also Read: Apple iOS 26.1 Launch Expected Today, iOS 26.2 Beta Testing to Begin Tuesday: Report

Practical tools for content creators and media enthusiasts round out the update. Local Capture, for high-quality call recordings, now features a streamlined menu in Settings > General > Local Capture to select storage locations and enable audio-only mode, complying with privacy norms while simplifying workflows. Apple Music users benefit from intuitive song navigation: swiping left or right on the track title—whether in full-screen or mini-player view—skips songs with a playful animation, streamlining playback without menu dives. These refinements build on iOS 26's foundation, which emphasised privacy-focused AI and dynamic interfaces, and come ahead of iOS 27's anticipated major redesign in 2026.

To install iOS 26.1, ensure your iPhone is backed up via iCloud or a computer, then navigate to Settings > General > Software Update. If available, tap Update Now and follow the prompts; the process typically takes 20-40 minutes depending on internet speed. For beta testers or those preferring wired installation, connect to a Mac or PC via Finder/iTunes. Apple recommends at least 50% battery and a stable connection, with the update rolling out in phases to monitor stability. Post-install, users may notice minor battery optimisations, though some report initial drain as the system indexes new features—restarting the device often resolves this.

Also Read: iPhone 18 Pro: Apple’s Next Flagship to Debut in Luxe Burgundy, Coffee, and Purple