- iOS and iPadOS 26.1 introduce a new tinted Liquid Glass option, allowing users to adjust interface opacity for a more personalized visual experience.
- iPadOS 26.1 debuts Slide Over multitasking, letting users keep, hide, or resize floating app windows for smoother workflow management.
- FaceTime audio quality improves in low-bandwidth environments, and Live Translation with AirPods expands to support Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Italian.
Apple has officially released iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1. The updates introduce design refinements, multitasking tools, and security fixes across the ecosystem to focus on user customization, performance optimization, and enhanced privacy controls.
New features in iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1
The newest iPhone and iPad updates add Liquid Glass tint options, better Apple Music controls, and new features for Camera, FaceTime, and Fitness. Apple says these changes make everyday use more personal and smooth, while boosting safety for younger users.
Liquid Glass tint and interface enhancements
Users can now pick between the classic clear style or a new tinted Liquid Glass option. This updated look adds more opacity to app backgrounds and alerts, creating a smoother and more flexible visual experience.
Audio and recording improvements
With iOS and iPadOS 26.1, users can adjust gain levels on USB microphones and choose where to save recordings, an upgrade that helps podcasters, creators, and journalists work more flexibly.
Apple Music and FaceTime updates
Apple Music now supports swipe gestures in MiniPlayer, making it easier to switch between songs. AutoMix also works with AirPlay, allowing smooth multi-room playback. Meanwhile, FaceTime improves audio clarity on weak networks, helping keep calls clear even with low bandwidth.
Child Account Safety and content controls
To support digital well-being, Apple now turns on Communication Safety and web content filters by default for child accounts aged 13–17, depending on regional policies. This helps provide more consistent protection for younger users when messaging and browsing.
Exclusive features for iPhone and iPad
iOS 26.1: Live Translation and fitness upgrades
For iPhone users, Live Translation with AirPods now supports Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, Korean, and Italian, making it easier to communicate across languages. he Fitness app also adds manual workout logging, so users can track custom exercise sessions without needing an Apple Watch.
iPadOS 26.1: Enhanced multitasking and Vision Pro integration
iPad users now get Slide Over multitasking, letting one window float above others, resize freely, or slide off-screen for easy access later. The Apple Vision Pro app also comes to iPad to allow users to explore spatial content and manage their headset right from the tablet.
Availability and installation
iOS 26.1 and iPadOS 26.1 are available now for compatible devices. Users can install the updates through Settings > General > Software Update on iPhone and iPad.
As with all major Apple software releases, the company recommends backing up your device before installation.
