iOS 26.1 Beta 2: Apple complicates the accidental turning off of alarms

Apple has made another change to the alarm clock operation in the second beta version of iOS 26.1. As 9to5Mac reports, users will now have to switch off the alarm using a “Slide to Stop” gesture. A simple tap on a button is no longer sufficient. The change is intended to prevent accidental deactivation of the alarm clock.

With iOS 26, Apple fundamentally revised the operation of the alarm clock in September and introduced significantly larger buttons for the snooze function and switching off. However, this design change led to unexpected problems: Users reported that the large buttons were too easy to press accidentally—for example, when reaching for the smartphone on the bedside table.

The new swipe gesture is reminiscent of the iPhone's classic “Slide to Unlock” gesture, which long-time iOS users will be familiar with. Instead of a simple tap, the finger must be dragged across the screen to end the alarm. This additional hurdle is intended to ensure that the alarm is only switched off deliberately.

Interestingly, Apple is also applying the new operation to timers, although the issue of accidental deactivation seems less relevant for these. Presumably, however, Apple is simply aiming for standardization here.

Final version still uncertain

As iOS 26.1 is currently still a beta version, there is no guarantee that the change will be included in the final version. Apple could first test the new gesture to gather user feedback before making a final decision. iOS 26.1 is expected to be released at the end of October, as can be deduced from Apple's previous update pattern.

The second beta version of iOS 26.1 was recently released to developers. In addition to the alarm change, Apple is also said to be working on improved support for third-party smartwatches in iOS 26.1, particularly in the forwarding of notifications—a requirement of the EU Commission as part of the Digital Markets Act.

(mki)