Apple’s latest iPhone software is iOS 26. Released in mid-September, it was followed by a small bug-fix update in the form of iOS 26.0.1. Now, there’s the first major update, with new features as well as bug fixes — though there are dozens of security issues addressed here, too.
I held back this post for a few extra hours because the release landed later and I wanted to monitor responses for a little longer. This post has the initial thoughts on the new release and I’ll be updating this post over the coming week and I’ll add final thoughts on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
Who Is It For And How Do You Get It?
The new iOS 26 software cycle, including this new iOS 26.1 update, is compatible with all iPhones from 2019 on — so the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR which were supported with iOS 18 aren’t supported here. Instead, it’s the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 1 Pro Max models and every phone since. As well as the iPhone 12 series, iPhone 13 and so on right up to the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air, it also includes the second- and third-generation iPhone SE models.
To update, go to the Settings app on the iPhone, click on General, then Software Update. Next, select Download and Install, and the software will download from there. This is a medium-sized download, 2.62GB on my iPhone 17 Pro Max.
What It’s About
There are new features in this update and while none is game-changing on its own, they add up to an improved iPhone. Liquid Glass now comes with a toggle to turn some parts of the interface clear or tinted (though it’s not the slider that some users have asked for). It’s now not so easy to accidentally turn off an alarm when you mean to snooze it in your semi-conscious state. Turning it off now needs a sliding motion to achieve. There are new languages for Live Translation, Apple Intelligence will be available in more languages and more. Full details here.
Apple iOS 26.1 Security
One other big change is the introduction of Background Security Improvements which will mean you can now choose to automatically download, and install, security improvements in the background. You’ll no longer need to actively choose these and potentially leave your iPhone vulnerable until you do. There are more than 50 security fixes in this release, including some which could be critical. Forbes Contributor Kate O’Flaherty has more details of these here.
Initial Reactions
I’ve found most responses to be positive, though as is usual with an update thanks to the indexing that takes place, battery life took a hit for many users in the first 24 hours before returning to normal. Previous issues for some, such as stuttering screens in CarPlay or Shortcuts not working as they should, have persisted. But new problems seem rarer.
Apple iOS 26.1 Initial Verdict: Update
With comments about improved smoothness and positive responses to the new Liquid Glass update, iOS 26.1 is off to a reasonable start. I’ll keep checking on reactions in the coming days and report back next Wednesday.
