iOS 26.1 & Co: Apple Updates Liquid Glass Systems
The first major point release for version 26 of Apple's systems brings new features and important bug fixes to iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
(Image: Sebastian Trepesch / heise medien)
Update spree for Apple devices: The manufacturer released version 26.1 for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches for download on Monday evening. It is the first major update for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS 26 available since mid-September. Central to this is a backported main switch to adjust the still-new Liquid Glass design: it can be switched to "Colored" in the settings, making the glass controls less transparent – and notifications on the lock screen more readable.
What else is new in iOS 26.1
The fresh version brings several innovations for the operating systems, including finer setting options for local recordings of video calls and another gesture to jump faster between songs in Apple Music. On iPads, Apple is bringing back the the Slide-Over view that suddenly disappeared in iPadOS 26.0, albeit in a modified form. Additionally, iPadOS now supports more window and app control commands known from macOS, including "Quit" and "Hide".
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According to Apple, the AutoMix transitions in Apple Music are now also supported when outputting audio via AirPlay. Furthermore, the manufacturer promises better quality for FaceTime audio calls with low bandwidth. Web filters that block pornographic websites are now automatically active on Apple accounts of minors.
Other Apple Updates and Patches
visionOS 26.1 and tvOS 26.1 are also available. For older iPhones and iPads that cannot be updated to iOS 26, Apple is also providing patches with iOS 18.7.2 and iPadOS 18.7.2. Users of macOS 15 and macOS 14 will also find updates in Software Update.
According to Apple, all updates also deliver important security improvements. Details about the fixed security vulnerabilities usually follow later in the evening. With version 26.1, Apple seems to be rethinking its hitherto bumpy system for urgent security patches released outside the regular cycle. However, concrete information on this is still pending.
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