iOS 26.1 Now Available: A Major iPhone Upgrade

The highly anticipated iOS 26.1 update is officially available for all eligible iPhone models, bringing a significant wave of new features and refinements to your device. Following extensive beta testing, this release delivers improvements users have been eager to experience since the initial iOS 26 announcement.

Apple simultaneously released updates for iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, macOS (Tahoe 26.1, Sequoia 15.7.2, Sonoma 14.8.2), and visionOS, ensuring a seamless ecosystem experience across all Apple devices.

The iOS 26.1 update carries build number 23B85, distinguishing it from the release candidate previously distributed to beta testers.

What's New in iOS 26.1?

This update introduces a wealth of enhancements designed to improve your iPhone experience:

• Liquid Glass Customization: Personalize your Lock Screen with the new Liquid Glass setting, offering a choice between the default clear look or a tinted option that increases opacity.

• Expanded AirPods Live Translation: Enjoy broader language support for AirPods Live Translation, now including Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, Korean, and Italian.

• Apple Music Enhancements: Swipe gestures in the MiniPlayer now seamlessly navigate between tracks, and AutoMix support extends to AirPlay devices.

• Microphone Control & File Management: Gain control over external USB microphones and save local capture files to a location of your choosing.

• Fitness App Improvements: Log workouts manually directly within the Fitness app.

• Camera Lock Screen Access: Toggle the option to open the Camera directly from the Lock Screen with a simple swipe.

• Enhanced FaceTime Audio: Experience improved audio quality during FaceTime calls, particularly in low-bandwidth conditions.

• Communication Safety & Filtering: Communication Safety and Web content filters are now enabled by default for existing child accounts aged 13-17 (age varies by region).

How to Update Your iPhone to iOS 26.1

Updating your device is simple. Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the on-screen instructions. Remember, it's always a good idea to back up your device before installing any major software update.