iOS 26.1 Review: Apple just dropped iOS and iPadOS 26.1, and after testing it out for a few days, I’ve got to say… this update feels smoother, smarter, and more refined than 26.0 ever did.
It’s not some massive overhaul, but the small visual tweaks, new toggles, and overall polish make iOS 26.1 one of those updates that actually feels worth installing.
Let’s break it all down — what’s new, what’s improved, and whether you should hit that “Update Now” button.
1. Liquid Glass — The Star of the Show
The biggest new thing here is something Apple calls Liquid Glass, tucked under Settings > Display & Brightness.
You can now customize how your system blur looks, either Clear (the classic transparent style) or Tinted (a softer, frosted look).
I didn’t expect Apple to let users play with this level of visual control, but it’s awesome.
Personally, I’ve been using the Clear mode — it makes the UI look modern and minimal, especially on the lock screen and in the Music app. But if you prefer a slightly diffused, glassy look, Tinted might be your thing.
And yes, it even changes depending on whether you’re in Light Mode or Dark Mode, the subtle shifts in contrast make it feel more dynamic than before.
2. Music App Gestures — Finally Feels Right
Apple quietly added some new gestures to the Music app, and it honestly changes how natural the app feels.
Now you can swipe left or right on the “Now Playing” screen to skip songs. You can even do this from the mini player at the bottom of the app.
It’s one of those tiny quality-of-life features that make you wonder why it didn’t exist earlier.
Plus, if you use Automix, the transitions sound smoother, especially when streaming over AirPlay.
There’s also a new “Go To” menu under the three-dot icon, which neatly organizes shortcuts to the album, playlist, or artist. Small touch, but super handy.
3. Camera Swipe Toggle — A First for iPhone
This one surprised me: you can now turn off the “Swipe Left for Camera” gesture on the lock screen.
It’s under Settings > Camera > Lock Screen.
Honestly, it makes sense. With widgets, Control Center, and the Action button all offering camera access, that swipe gesture was becoming redundant. If you’re tired of accidental camera launches, this is your fix.
4. UI & Design Changes You’ll Actually Notice
Apple’s been busy refining the little things:
- Lock Screen Customization now looks cleaner — dots are lower, text is centered better, and the pinch-to-crop UI feels more polished.
- Photos App has a more refined multi-select layout, with new icons and better spacing. Screenshots now open zoomed out so you can see timestamps and surrounding UI elements.
- Video Player has a redesigned scrubber bar — smoother, unified controls, and the volume now sits inside the bar. Looks way cleaner.
- Phone App finally got the Liquid Glass keypad treatment — it matches the rest of iOS now.
- There’s a new “Slide to Stop” timer animation that replaces the old big “Stop” button. It feels more intentional, less prone to accidental touches.
- Folders and settings headers are now left-aligned and bolded — a subtle shift, but it looks more cohesive across the OS.
It’s one of those updates where you keep spotting small refinements that add up to a noticeably more polished experience.
5. Background Security Improvements — Smart Move by Apple
Apple also added a new section in Settings > Privacy & Security called Background Security Improvements.
This quietly replaces the old “Rapid Security Response” system.
In short: Apple can now push mini security updates in the background between major updates, no need to wait for 26.1.1 or restart your phone.
You can even remove an installed patch manually, though most people will want to keep it automatic. It’s a solid move for better day-to-day protection.
Also Read: M5 MacBook Pro Review: Apple’s Fastest Chip Hides Inside Its Most Boring Laptop
6. Accessibility Gets a Boost
There’s a new toggle in Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size called Show Borders.
Turn it on and you’ll see outlines around navigation elements, buttons, and search bars, a thoughtful addition, especially for people who prefer higher visual contrast.
7. Fitness App — Create Custom Workouts on iPhone
Previously, you had to use your Apple Watch to create a custom workout. Now you can do it right from your iPhone in the Fitness app.
You can set goals, duration, calories, and effort, all directly from your phone. Finally.
8. Apple Intelligence Expands
Apple Intelligence (basically Apple’s AI system) now supports eight more languages and brings live translation for AirPods in four new ones.
This is huge if you live outside the U.S. or speak multiple languages. Apple’s making their AI tools more global and inclusive.
9. Performance and Battery Life — Noticeably Better
Here’s the thing: iOS 26.1 feels faster.
Animations are smoother, scrolling feels tighter, and I haven’t seen any of the random UI bugs that plagued 26.0.
Battery life also seems slightly improved. It’s not a night-and-day difference, but enough that I noticed I was ending the day with 10–15% more charge left than usual.
That alone makes it worth updating.
Should You Update?
Yes — 100% yes.
Unless you’re jailbroken or running something experimental, iOS 26.1 is worth installing.
You get better visuals, smoother UI, improved battery, and more customization — without any major stability risks.
Plus, those security improvements in the background mean you’ll stay protected even before the next update drops.
Final Thoughts
iOS 26.1 feels like Apple finally fine-tuned what iOS 26.0 was trying to be. It’s not a flashy update, but it’s cleaner, faster, and just feels more thought-out.
If you’ve been holding off, now’s a good time to make the jump.
And I’ve got to say, that Liquid Glass feature is the most Apple thing ever. Subtle, stylish, and surprisingly addictive to tweak.
If you’re still wondering whether to update, trust me, go for it. You’ll feel the difference within minutes.
