iOS 26.1 is out now with multiple interface refinements and quality-of-life upgrades

With the new iPhone 17 models in customers’ hands and iOS 26 finding its way to hundreds of millions of iPhones, it’s time to move on to the first major update to Apple’s iPhones: iOS 26.1.

Apple released the first beta to developers on Monday, September 22, and the final version was released to all users on November 3.

Updated November 3: iOS 26.1 has been officially released for all users.

iOS 26.1: Release notes

Apple’s release notes for this update are as follows.

This update includes the following features and enhancements:
– Liquid Glass setting gives you the option to choose between the default clear look or a new tinted look which increases opacity of the material in apps and notifications on the Lock Screen
– Live Translation with AirPods support for Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, Korean and Italian
– Apple Music MiniPlayer swipe gesture to go to the next or previous track
– Apple Music AutoMix support over AirPlay
– Gain control is available for external USB microphones when recording with local capture
– Local capture files can be saved to a specific location
– Manual workout logging is available directly from the Fitness app
– New Camera setting to turn on or off Lock Screen swipe to open Camera
– Improved FaceTime audio quality in low-bandwidth conditions
– Communication Safety and Web content filters to limit adult websites are enabled by default for existing child accounts for ages 13-17 (Age varies by country or region)

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit:
https://support.apple.com/100100

Some features may not be available in all regions or on all iPhone models. To learn more, please visit:
https://apple.com/ios/feature-availability/

Software updates, like this one, add new features and improvements that may affect performance and/or battery life. To learn more, please visit:
https://support.apple.com/125039

iOS 26.1: How to install

You will eventually be prompted to install iOS 26.1, but it could take days or weeks. To install the update now, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Select Genereal
3. Select Software Update
4. Make sure you have the intended version of iOS selected if necessary, and follow the on-screen instructions.