After a slight delay, Apple finally rolled out the iOS 26.1 update to eligible iPhones on Tuesday. While many features grabbed attention in the new update, including the ability to soften Liquid Glass and the expanded availability of Apple Intelligence features, there is one feature that has been relatively in the spotlight.
Apple has made a small but useful addition to the iOS Clock app that makes it harder for users to accidentally set and turn off the alarm while half asleep.
Traditionally, the Clock app offered the option to tap to snooze the alarm. However, in iOS 26.1, when a new alarm goes off, users will now see a “Slide to Stop” gesture to snooze the alarm, making it an intentional gesture and reducing the chance of accidental touches.
While the new change isn't nearly as close to the methods some third-party alarm apps require, like solving a math puzzle or shaking the phone, it's still a step up from the current method used by Apple.
Devices eligible for iOS 26.1:
iOS 26.1 is available for download for iPhone 11 and later devices. However, Apple's artificial intelligence features, called Apple Intelligence, are only available for iPhone 15 Pro and later devices.
How to Download iOS 26.1 Update?
To download the new iOS 26.1 update, go to Settings on your iPhone
Now tap General and then Software Update
You should now see an option to update to iOS 26.1
Make sure your phone has enough storage space and is more than 30% charged before installing the update.
Apple also warns that the iOS 26.1 update may initially impact performance and battery life depending on the device and usage. Aside from device limitations, some iOS 26.1 may not yet be available in all regions.
You can finally soften Liquid Glass with iOS 26.1:
When Liquid Glass first came out with the iOS 26 update, users were suddenly divided into two camps: one who loved the new user interface and others who didn't like it at all. What made matters worse was that Apple didn't provide many options to customize the look of the controversial user interface.
However, this has changed with iOS 26.1 where users get a new Liquid Glass coverage tool, helping them get rid of the readability issues they faced with the earlier update.
