Apple released iOS 26.1 with a small set of changes that many users will notice right away. One of the controls is the change of the headline, which adds less transparency to the new Liquid Glass look. Also introduced are some handy changes to the lock screen, additional languages to the Apple Intelligence, and quality and polish. Through Settings and Software Update, the update can be made available to eligible devices.
Liquid Glass Control
Apple introduced Liquid Glass as a sweeping design update in iOS 26. Some users found the translucent look beautiful. Some wallpapers and apps were harder to read on due to the translucency feature, which is why iOS 26.1 introduced a new setting that allows people to make Liquid Glass less transparent and still have the new visual style.
The setting is adjustable in the Settings display and the brightness liquid glass. Choose Clear to keep the original look. Choose Tinted to reduce how much of the wallpaper shows through menus and windows. The Tinted mode keeps the Liquid Glass effect while improving contrast for text and icons.
This setting is available on iPhone and will match similar controls on iPad and Mac, where the new design is supported. The change is simple, and it should make the interface easier to read for many users without removing the design update.
Other Notable Changes
In iOS 26.1, there are minor features and solutions that enhance the day-to-day experience. It has an additional option of opening the camera on the lock screen by swiping left. That gesture can now be enabled or disabled in Settings and gives users more control over how they access the camera.
The update expands Apple Intelligence language support. New languages are added for core features and for live translation. This step widens the set of users who can use on-device translation and other AI-assisted features.
Apple also added several quality-of-life improvements. Apple Music gains new gestures to change tracks while viewing album screens. The alarm interface now offers a slider to stop an alarm so users are less likely to turn it off accidentally. There is also a new option to capture audio and video locally while recording a video call on compatible devices.
Beyond visible features, Apple fixed a number of bugs and made performance improvements. For example, some users who used AutoMix with AirPlay experienced interruptions. That issue is resolved in this update. There are also stability fixes across the system that should make everyday use smoother.
The process of updating is also the same as usual. Tap General in Open Settings and tap Software Update. In case Apple has already rolled it out to your region, then the update will be visible, and you can download and install it. In case it is not visible immediately, the rollout can be planned, and you can pass by it later.