Apple Releases 26.1 Updates: What’s New Across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and More
Apple has rolled out the final versions of its 26.1 updates across its major operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and the HomePod OS. These updates represent the company’s ongoing commitment to refining its software following the major releases that launched in September. Notably, this is one of the first updates under Apple’s new unified, year-based version numbering system, streamlining the update process for users across multiple Apple devices.
Addressing Early Issues and User Feedback
Following the initial launch of its new operating systems, Apple received a variety of complaints and bug reports from users. The 26.1 updates are designed to address many of these concerns, offering bug fixes, usability tweaks, and a selection of new features that improve the overall experience. While the updates are not as sweeping as the original September releases, they do demonstrate Apple’s responsiveness to user feedback and its efforts to smooth out the inevitable rough edges that come with major software overhauls.
Liquid Glass Translucency Control
One of the most significant changes introduced in the 26.1 updates is a new translucency control for the Liquid Glass effect, which is present across most of Apple’s platforms. Liquid Glass provides a stylish, semi-transparent look to various interface elements, allowing users to see content behind windows and panels. However, some users found the effect too pronounced, making it difficult to read text or focus on the primary content.
To address this, Apple now offers a choice between a “Clear” and a “Tinted” look for Liquid Glass. The default Clear option preserves the original glassy, transparent style, letting users see more of what’s behind each window. The new Tinted option, on the other hand, increases opacity, blurring the background and emphasizing the foreground content. This adjustment aims to enhance readability and reduce visual distraction for those who found the initial effect overwhelming.
iPad Multitasking Improvements: Slide Over Returns
For iPad users, the 26.1 update brings back an improved version of the popular Slide Over multitasking mode. Slide Over allows users to quickly open an app in a floating window above their current workspace, making it easy to reference information, reply to messages, or perform quick tasks without leaving the main app they’re working in.
The updated Slide Over in iPadOS 26 has been redesigned both visually and functionally. It’s now more challenging to switch which app appears in Slide Over—a change that may reduce accidental app switches—but the floating window can now be moved and resized, introducing a new level of flexibility and customization. These changes aim to make multitasking on the iPad more intuitive and efficient, especially for users who rely on their device for productivity.
Smaller Tweaks Across Platforms
Beyond the more prominent features, the 26.1 updates introduce a