Apple has just rolled out the second public beta of iOS 26.1 on Tuesday, following closely on the heels of the initial release of iOS 26. This latest update builds on features like Liquid Glass and call screening, with a focus on enhancing security and user experience.
It’s important to remember that since this is a beta release, it’s advisable to install it on a secondary device rather than your main one. Users might encounter bugs or diminished battery performance as the new features are tested.
Although the final launch date for the public version of iOS 26.1 remains unconfirmed, let’s dive into the new features available for developers and beta testers right now—and what might be deployed when it officially launches.
Automatic Security Improvements
One of the standout features in the iOS 26.1 beta is the addition of a security setting that allows your iPhone to automatically download and install security improvements. This new capability is termed “Background Security Improvements” and offers additional protection between major updates.
As stated by Apple, “In rare instances of compatibility issues, these security improvements may be temporarily removed and then enhanced in a future software update.” This functionality is reminiscent of Apple’s Rapid Security Responses (RSRs), which aim to quickly deliver essential security fixes. While RSRs have been infrequent since their inception, this new feature promises to keep your device secure with minimal user intervention.
Enhanced Music Navigation
With the arrival of iOS 26.1 beta, Apple Music introduces a refreshing way to switch tracks. Instead of tapping the next or back buttons, users can now swipe left or right on the song title displayed in the player. This gesture can be utilized whether the player occupies the full screen or is minimized at the bottom of the interface.
Improved Alarm Functionality
iOS 26.1 beta also enhances the alarm feature by requiring users to swipe to dismiss their alarms rather than simply tapping a button. While this may seem like a minor change, it could aid in ensuring that users are truly awake before turning off their alarms.
Expanded Live Translation Support
In this beta version, Apple has expanded its Live Translation feature to incorporate more languages, making it even more versatile for users. The languages now supported include:
- Chinese (Mandarin, simplified)
- Chinese (Mandarin, traditional)
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
Broadened Access to Apple Intelligence
If your device is equipped with Apple Intelligence, the iOS 26.1 beta introduces AI capabilities across additional languages such as:
- Chinese (traditional)
- Danish
- Dutch
- Norwegian
- Portuguese (Portugal)
- Swedish
- Turkish
- Vietnamese
Simplified Calendar Interface
The Calendar app receives a minor update that brings a new visual cue in List View. Specifically, any events scheduled for a particular day will now be highlighted across the bottom of your screen, enhancing visibility and accessibility.
Refined Video Scrubbing in Photos
The iOS 26.1 beta also fine-tunes the video scrubbing bar within the Photos app. Users will notice that the bar has become more compact and streamlined compared to previous versions, with the play/pause and volume buttons now integrated directly above it.
These features highlight the incremental improvements that developers and public beta testers can explore in the latest iOS 26.1 beta. As Apple continues to refine the operating system, we can expect further enhancements before its official public release.
For additional insights about iOS, you can read about the key features in iOS 26, how to manage Liquid Glass effects, and details on text screening functionalities.
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