Apple has officially rolled out iOS 26.1, bringing with it a key visual update that lets users adjust the Liquid Glass interface — one of the most talked-about design changes from iOS 26. The new update allows iPhone owners to modify the transparency of the glass-like UI elements, making buttons, tabs, and other navigation components easier to read.
The Liquid Glass toggle gives users two display options: the original translucent design introduced in iOS 26, and a frosted look that boosts opacity and contrast for better legibility. This update directly addresses user feedback about visibility issues in the previous version.
According to Apple’s official release notes, the iOS 26.1 update also includes several performance improvements and new functionality across apps and services.
Key features in iOS 26.1:
- Liquid Glass setting: Choose between the clear or tinted look for UI elements in apps and notifications on the Lock Screen.
- Live Translation with AirPods: Now supports Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, Korean, and Italian.
- Apple Music updates: A new MiniPlayer swipe gesture lets users skip tracks easily, and AutoMix now works over AirPlay.
- Microphone enhancements: Users can control gain for external USB microphones during local recording sessions.
- File management: Local capture files can now be saved directly to a specified location.
- Fitness improvements: Manual workout logging is now available directly in the Fitness app.
- Camera control: A new setting allows users to enable or disable the Lock Screen swipe shortcut for opening the Camera.
- FaceTime performance: Improved audio quality in low-bandwidth conditions for clearer calls.
- Child safety updates: Communication Safety and web content filters that block adult websites are now enabled by default for users aged 13–17 (age varies by region).
In addition to iOS 26.1, Apple has also released updates across its ecosystem, including iPadOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1, watchOS 26.1, visionOS 26.1, and tvOS 26.1.
The rollout further refines Apple’s user experience by combining aesthetic flexibility with practical functionality. The new Liquid Glass setting, in particular, is being welcomed by users who prefer a more solid and legible design over the heavily translucent interface introduced earlier this year.
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