Apple has just rolled out the first public beta of iOS 26.1 this Tuesday, following the major redesign in iOS 26 that introduced features like Liquid Glass and call screening. While that update was packed with enhancements, iOS 26.1 isn’t as groundbreaking, focusing more on subtle improvements.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that beta software can be unstable. If you’re considering diving into this beta, do so on a non-primary device to avoid any potential glitches and battery drain.
Though this release may seem minor, there are still features and improvements for developers and beta testers to explore, with more potentially coming before the final version is available.
Quick Song Changes in Apple Music
One of the notable tweaks in the iOS 26.1 beta is the new method for changing songs in Apple Music. Instead of relying on the next or previous buttons, users can now simply swipe left or right on the song title while in the player interface. This gesture works whether the music player is taking up your entire screen or minimized at the bottom.
Expanded Live Translation Languages
For those utilizing the Live Translation feature, it’s exciting to see additional languages in the iOS 26.1 beta. Originally introduced in iOS 26, you can now translate conversations in:
- Chinese (Mandarin, simplified)
- Chinese (Mandarin, traditional)
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
Apple Intelligence Enhancements
If you’re leveraging Apple Intelligence, this beta extends AI capabilities to even more languages, including:
- Chinese (traditional)
- Danish
- Dutch
- Norwegian
- Portuguese (Portugal)
- Swedish
- Turkish
- Vietnamese
Calendar Interface Update
While not a groundbreaking change, the first beta of iOS 26.1 enhances the Calendar interface. In List View, specific day events are now clearly colored at the bottom of your screen, making organization a bit easier.
Refined Video Scrubbing Bar in Photos
Another subtle change is the revamped video scrubbing bar in Photos. The updated design features a more compact bar that aligns neatly, streamlining your video viewing experience. This is more of a design tweak than a drastic overhaul, yet it’s a nice touch.
These adjustments showcase some of the improvements available in the iOS 26.1 public beta. While the changes are relatively small, there’s plenty of potential for future betas to further enhance the user experience. As this beta progresses, keep an eye out for more updates and features that may be in store.
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