After several weeks of testing, Apple has officially released the final versions of the 26.1 update across its various operating systems. This update covers iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and the HomePod operating system—all of which adopted a new unified year-based version numbering system this fall.
While this isn’t the first update since these operating systems were initially released in September, it is the first to introduce significant changes and tweaks to existing features. The update addresses early complaints and fixes bugs that typically accompany any major operating system rollout.
### Key Highlights Across Platforms
One of the most notable changes across most platforms is a new translucency control for Liquid Glass. This feature allows users to tone down the effect without completely disabling it. Users can choose the default **Clear** look to enjoy a clearer, glassier appearance that reveals more of the contents beneath Liquid Glass. Alternatively, the new **Tinted** option offers a more opaque background, showing only vague shapes and colors to improve readability.
### Improvements for iPad Users
iPad users will appreciate the reintroduction of an updated Slide Over multitasking mode. This mode lets users summon and dismiss individual apps atop others via quick swipes. The updated iPadOS 26 Slide Over looks a bit different and includes functional changes compared to its predecessor. While it’s now somewhat harder to switch between apps in Slide Over mode, the Slide Over window itself can be moved and resized just like any other app window in iPadOS 26.
### Smaller, Yet Meaningful Tweaks
Most platforms have received a handful of smaller but meaningful improvements. For example:
– **iOS Alarm Clock:** The alarm clock interface has been refined so users can snooze alarms with a button but must slide to turn alarms off entirely, helping prevent accidental dismissals by those who aren’t fully awake.
– **Lock Screen:** The “swipe to open camera” gesture on the lock screen can now be disabled if preferred.
– **macOS FaceTime:** Mac users will notice improved audio quality during FaceTime calls, especially in low-bandwidth conditions.
– **Apple Music:** There is now support for AutoMix transitions when streaming Apple Music over AirPlay.
### The Awaited “More Personal Siri”
Among the features still pending across these operating systems is the much-anticipated “more personal Siri” that Apple promised last year but subsequently delayed. According to Apple executives, this year’s OS releases include enhancements to language models and Apple Intelligence components, which are necessary for delivering the upgraded Siri experience. Apple has committed to launching this feature **next year**, though an exact timeline has not yet been provided.
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With the 26.1 updates now rolling out, users can expect a more polished and refined experience across all Apple platforms, while eagerly awaiting the next-generation Siri and other upcoming enhancements.
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/11/apple-releases-ios-26-1-macos-26-1-other-updates-with-liquid-glass-controls-and-more/
