iOS 26.1 is anticipated to be released shortly, and when it arrives, it will present users with four new options to personalize the appearance and functionality of their iPhone. Here’s what’s coming.
## Liquid Glass Design
Apple introduced a striking new [Liquid Glass design](https://9to5mac.com/2025/10/21/ios-26-1s-new-liquid-glass-setting-is-a-win-for-apple-and-users-alike/) in iOS 26. However, the update has not been wholly accepted by all users. Instead of adapting Liquid Glass for everyone, iOS 26.1 introduces a new toggle in the Settings.
Located under Display & Brightness ⇾ Liquid Glass, the new setting features two choices:
– **Clear**: Preserves the original Liquid Glass appearance.
– **Tinted**: Enhances opacity and increases contrast across the system to improve readability.
## Camera Swipe on Lock Screen
Traditionally, the iPhone had limited options for opening the Camera app, mainly through a leftward swipe on the Lock Screen. Although newer models added dedicated buttons and features, the swipe gesture remained intact and could not be turned off.
With iOS 26.1, Apple has finally included a toggle to disable this function. Users can discover the new ‘Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera’ setting in Settings ⇾ Camera, which is on by default but can be deactivated.
## Less Swipes, More Taps
iOS 26.1 brings back the classic ‘Slide to unlock’ gesture, now applicable to alarms and timers. The reconfiguration in iOS 26 enlarged the buttons for stopping or snoozing alarms, which resulted in unintentional dismissals.
In response, iOS 26.1 substitutes the conventional ‘Stop’ button with a ‘Slide to stop’ gesture. Users who prefer the former design can modify this in Settings ⇾ Accessibility ⇾ Touch by enabling ‘Prefer Single-Touch Actions’ to return to single-tap buttons.
## Local Capture Settings
iOS and iPadOS 26 launched Local Capture for on-device video and audio recording, making tasks such as podcasting easier. By default, recordings are saved in the Downloads folder within the Files app.
iOS 26.1 enhances this functionality with two new settings:
1. **Save Location**: Lets users designate an alternative save destination.
2. **Audio Only**: Ensures Local Capture only saves audio, excluding video.
These options can be accessed in Settings ⇾ General ⇾ Local Capture.
Which new Settings features in iOS 26.1 are you most eager about? Share your thoughts in the comments.
