iOS 26.1 Update: Every Important New Feature and How it Improves Your iPhone

Apple’s iOS 26.1 isn’t just a bug-fix update—it’s a thoughtfully crafted release packed with meaningful refinements. With usability, customization, and accessibility at the forefront, The Tech Girl’s latest video spotlights every change that matters. Here’s an in-depth walkthrough of what’s new and why it might change how you use your iPhone every day.

1. Liquid Glass "Tinted" Option: A Clearer View

With the initial launch of iOS 26, Apple introduced the liquid glass interface, which brought elegant, transparent elements to the OS. While visually striking, many found these regions challenging to read, especially in bright light or over busy backgrounds. iOS 26.1 addresses this with a new “Tinted” mode, which overlays a gentle color and brings much-needed contrast to notifications and banners. The difference is immediate: important alerts are easier to spot, improving your ability to keep track of every update and message—no matter the lighting conditions.

To enable this feature, simply follow these steps:

• Open Settings on your iPhone.

• Tap Display & Brightness.

• Choose the Liquid Glass section.

• Select Tinted.

2. Alarms & Timers: Intuitive New Swipe Controls

Stopping alarms or timers on iOS has always been functional, but not always user-friendly—especially when waking up groggy to a blaring phone alarm. With iOS 26.1, the act of dismissing an alarm or timer becomes more natural and reliable, thanks to a new swipe gesture. Instead of tapping a precise button, you simply glide across the notification, echoing the iconic "slide to unlock." This design lowers the risk of fumbling and makes daily routines that much smoother—a small update with a surprisingly large daily impact.

Here’s how the new gesture works:

• When your alarm or timer goes off, look for the notification on your screen.

• Swipe across the alert to stop it, instead of pressing a button.

3. Accessibility: "Show Borders" for Button Visibility

Clarity is crucial for accessibility, and with the new “Show Borders” setting, Apple puts even greater emphasis on making the iOS experience more inclusive. In earlier designs, discerning interactive elements against translucent backgrounds was a challenge, especially for users with visual impairments. With iOS 26.1, you have the power to outline every button and actionable control. This simple improvement dramatically boosts navigation confidence, letting every user find and tap the right control without hesitation.

To activate button borders, use these steps:

• Go to Settings.

• Open Accessibility.

• Tap Display.

• Enable Show Borders.

4. Photos App: Enhanced Video Playback & Long-Press Menus

Browsing, editing, and sharing memories should always feel intuitive, which is why iOS 26.1 brings a much-needed upgrade to the Photos app’s video controls and long-press menus. The new video scrubbing bar is larger and more accurate, letting you find the exact moment you want with ease—an invaluable change for both casual users and content creators. Additionally, long-pressing a photo now brings up key actions at the top of a unified menu, making everyday tasks like sharing and deleting more straightforward and efficient.

There’s nothing to enable for these changes—they’re available automatically after updating to iOS 26.1.

5. Phone App Redesign: Modern Look, Familiar Functionality

The familiar phone dial pad has been refreshed, adopting the new liquid glass style that unifies the aesthetic of iOS 26.1. Numbers are clearer, keys stand out, and the whole interface feels more consistent with the rest of your iPhone. It's a touch that you’ll notice daily, especially if you use your phone for calls frequently.

No setup required for this change—just enjoy the enhanced look every time you place a call.

6. Apple Music: Gesture Controls for Seamless Playback

If you love music, skipping tracks should feel effortless. With iOS 26.1, you can now swipe left or right on the “Now Playing” bar in Apple Music, letting you jump to the next or previous song without carefully hunting for small skip buttons. This quick gesture fits smoothly into commuting, workouts, or anytime your hands are full.

No additional setup is necessary—just start swiping on the Now Playing bar in Music.

7. Lock Screen Camera Swipe: Gone for Good (If You Want)

Many users have been annoyed by the camera opening every time they accidentally swiped on the lock screen. With iOS 26.1, you finally have the option to turn this gesture off, making it easier to check notifications without interruptions and preventing accidental photos from filling your Camera Roll.

Disable this feature with these steps:

• Open Settings.

• Scroll to and tap Camera.

• Toggle off Lock Screen Swipe.

8. Fitness App: Log Workouts Manually

Sometimes you forget to start a workout—and before, that meant your activity data was incomplete. Now, with iOS 26.1, adding a missed workout after the fact is easy. You can specify the type of exercise, set the duration, and rate the perceived effort, ensuring all your hard work counts toward your activity goals. This is especially beneficial for users who rely on ring closure or detailed fitness tracking for motivation.

To manually add a workout:

• Open the Fitness app.

• Go to the Workouts tab.

• Tap the “+” (Add) button.

• Enter your workout details and save.

9. Consistent Left-Aligned Text in Settings & Folders

A more subtle but meaningful change, headings in Settings and folder labels are now left-aligned rather than centered, providing a tidier look and making it easier to scan and navigate large lists. For anyone who values order, this update makes every screen feel a bit more logical.

No steps needed—this is a default visual improvement after the update.

10. Safari Tab Bar: Easier and More Comfortable to Use

The Safari bottom tab bar now has a slightly bigger target area, reducing the chance of missed touches—a small tweak, but you’ll appreciate it whether browsing one-handed or quickly switching between tabs.

Again, no setup is needed for this enhancement.

11. External Microphone Controls: For Creators and Professionals

Content creators, podcasters, and anyone who records audio on iPhone now can fine-tune external microphone input gain. This built-in slider allows you to manage levels for optimal sound quality without needing a third-party app or computer.

To adjust microphone gain:

• Plug an external microphone into your iPhone.

• There should be an accessibility menu when you open control center

• Look for the Mic Gain slider and adjust as needed.

12. Local Capture Improvements: Flexible Recording Save Options

Where your recordings are saved is now your choice, not Apple’s. This change empowers you to organize files to fit your own workflow—especially useful if you record frequently for work, content creation, or documentation.

To select a new save location:

• Begin recording as you normally would.

• When prompted, choose your desired folder or save location for that recording.

13. Apple TV+ Rebrand and AirPlay “Automix” Features

Apple’s ecosystem improvements continue with the rebranding of Apple TV+ to just “Apple TV,” as well as fun new AirPlay Automix features for seamless music parties. These changes are automatic and designed to make device integration smoother and experiences more enjoyable.

No action is required—you’ll notice the new icons and options after updating.

14. FaceTime and AirPods Pro: Enhanced Calls and Translation

For connection and communication, FaceTime calls now offer better audio quality even on unstable networks. AirPods Pro gain expanded live translation support, making them invaluable for travel or communicating across cultures.

No setup needed; improvements are enabled automatically after the update.

15. Battery Life and Security Updates

Users report better battery performance right away with iOS 26.1, and Apple has bundled a robust set of security updates and bug fixes. You’ll notice your phone lasting longer, especially under heavy use, and staying secure in the background.

No steps required for end users—just keep your iPhone updated.

Stay up-to-date with iOS, and make use of these new features to enjoy a more productive, enjoyable, and personalized iPhone experience!