Along with iOS26.1, macOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, watchOS 26.1 and updates for HomePods & AirPods.
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Toggle to control the transparency of the “Liquid Glass” design elements - They Listened!!
In response to user feedback about readability and contrast, iPadOS 26.1 introduces a setting under Display & Brightness that allows users to switch between “Clear” (more transparent) and “Tinted” (less transparent / higher contrast) for the Liquid Glass UI aesthetic. This gives users more control over legibility and visual comfort.
Updated scrubber (timeline navigation) in the Photos app
The playback/scroll bar (“scrubber”) in the Photos app has been redesigned with a frosted-glass, more readable appearance in 26.1. This makes it easier to navigate through videos or images with improved visual clarity.
“Swipe to skip” gesture in Apple Music mini-player
A new gesture has been introduced allowing users to swipe on the mini-player (e.g., in Control Centre or now-playing) to skip forward or back in their queue or playlist. It adds a quick, intuitive way to navigate music without tapping small buttons.
Option to disable the Lock-Screen swipe access to Camera
For greater control over privacy/accessibility, there is a new toggle that allows users to disable the gesture that swipes from the Lock Screen to open the Camera. This helps prevent unintended camera access from someone holding the device, or for users who simply don’t want the camera-swipe available.
Expanded language support for Live Translation in AirPods
The Live Translation feature for AirPods has been extended to additional languages including Japanese, Korean, Italian and Chinese (traditional & simplified). This makes the translation-on-the-fly feature available to more users in more regions.
Expanded language support for Apple Intelligence
Apple has added support for eight new languages in its Apple Intelligence features (including Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese). This means users who speak these languages will now be able to use Apple Intelligence (on supported devices) in their native language, broadening access and usability.
UI refinements in system apps (Phone, Safari, etc)
Several system apps have been polished: for example, the Phone app keypad picks up the Liquid Glass aesthetic, Safari’s download manager and other elements receive visual tweaks, and general under-the-hood polish and bug-fixes are applied. These tweaks enhance the experience of 26.0 by refining interfaces and smoothing rough edges.
Updated “Slide to Stop” for Alarms & Timers
In the Clock (and timer) app, instead of a large “Stop” button, you now have a slide to stop control, reducing accidental taps.
Background Security Improvements
The existing “Rapid Security Response” system is renamed (or revamped) as “Background Security Improvements”, which allows certain security updates and system files to be installed in the background between major updates. This means more frequent, less intrusive security updates to help keep devices safer without you needing to consciously initiate security updates.
TV App Branding Adjustments
The Apple TV app (formerly Apple TV+) is receiving a more colourful icon in this update in preparation for the branding change.
Check for App Updates too...
With more improvemnts to your devices operating system many of the Apps you use will also have new updates avaialbe. These will install automatically over the coming days but you can speed up the updates by visiting the App Store app and tapping on your profile (top right corner)
If you have any issues or questions feel free to get in touch.
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