Introduction: The Most Requested iOS Fix Has Arrived

Apple just rolled out the iOS 26.1 Update, and it comes with something iPhone users have been asking for since the release of iOS 26:

You can now control the Liquid Glass transparency effect — or turn it off entirely.

Alongside this popular new toggle, the update introduces enhanced Apple Intelligence features, Apple Music upgrades, new language support, additional privacy and safety tools, and several usability improvements that refine everyday iPhone interactions.

Let’s break down everything that’s new in iOS 26.1 Update and what it means for your device.

ios update

What’s New in the iOS 26.1 Update?

The iOS 26.1 Update is the biggest release since iOS 26 debuted in September. Apple has added powerful features, polish, and user-requested improvements.

1. Control Liquid Glass Transparency (New Toggle)

iOS 26 launched with a Liquid Glass UI effect and transparency animation system. While visually impressive, many users found it distracting — affecting readability, especially on bright wallpapers.

iOS 26.1 introduces a simple solution:

A toggle that lets you turn off Liquid Glass transparency.

You can now switch between:

  • Clear
  • Tinted
  • Reduced transparency (or fully off)

This setting makes text visibility sharper and UI movement less visually intense — ideal for accessibility and general comfort.


2. Apple Intelligence: More Live Translation Languages

The update expands Apple Intelligence-powered live translations via AirPods.

New supported languages include:

  • Chinese (Simplified)
  • Chinese (Traditional)
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Italian

This enhancement makes real-time multilingual conversations more inclusive and practical.


3. Apple Music Quality-of-Life Improvements

Music lovers get multiple new features:

  • Swipe on the miniplayer to change tracks (finally)
  • Apple Music AutoMix over AirPlay — DJ-style transitions during streaming

These small changes make listening more fluid and intuitive.


4. New System-Level Controls and Productivity Enhancements

iOS 26.1 adds refinements throughout the OS:

  • Swipe alarms and timers to dismiss them
  • Adjust gain control for external USB microphones
  • Save local files to specific folders
  • Manually log workouts in the Fitness app

These upgrades give more user control over daily tasks and app workflows.


5. Privacy and Safety Improvements

Apple has added:

  • New Communication Safety controls
  • Web content filters to restrict adult websites
  • Improved FaceTime audio in poor network environments

These enhancements strengthen privacy, digital well-being, and security.

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Supported Devices: Who Gets iOS 26.1?

The iOS 26.1 Update is available for:

  • iPhone 11, 11 Pro / Pro Max
  • iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro / Pro Max
  • iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro / Pro Max
  • iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro / Pro Max
  • iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro / Pro Max
  • iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro / Pro Max
  • iPhone Air
  • iPhone 17, 17 Pro / Pro Max

If you have iPhone 11 or newer, the update should be available under:

Settings > General > Software Update


Whether You Should Update

Update if you:

  • Want to disable Liquid Glass transparency
  • Use Apple Music and AirPods regularly
  • Prefer more control over visuals and UI responsiveness
  • Need better fitness or translation features

The update is stable and performance-friendly — no major battery drain reports have surfaced from early adopters.


Final Thoughts

The iOS 26.1 Update isn’t just routine — it addresses real user feedback and delivers meaningful improvements.

By giving users control over the Liquid Glass transparency effect and enhancing daily experiences like music playback, translation, privacy, and file management, Apple shows it’s listening to the community.

If you value visual clarity, stability, and new productivity features, this update is absolutely worth installing.


FAQs About the iOS 26.1 Update

Q1: How do I turn off the Liquid Glass effect?
Go to Settings → Display → Liquid Glass, and choose Clear, Tinted, or Off.

Q2: Does iOS 26.1 affect performance or battery life?
No major reports of battery drain; performance remains stable.

Q3: Do AirPods require a firmware update for live translation?
No, but you must enable Apple Intelligence and be signed into the same Apple ID.

Q4: Can older iPhones (pre–iPhone 11) get the update?
No. iOS 26.1 requires iPhone 11 or newer.

Q5: Is iOS 26.1 worth installing right away?
Yes — especially if transparency effects bothered you in iOS 26.

Abrar Navalur
AI Engineer

Fluent in Python, sarcasm, and talking to chatbots.

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