Apple has just released the first public betas for iOS 26.1 and more. Here’s what’s new in iOS 26.1 public beta 1.
New features and changes in iOS 26.1 beta 1
iOS 26.1 is the next big update coming for iPhone users. It was previously available in a developer beta, but now Apple has shipped the first public beta too.
- AirPods Live Translation adding five new supported languages
- Apple Intelligence becoming available in eight new languages
- Apple Music adding a new swipe gesture to change tracks
- Photos app has a redesigned video playback scrubber
- Calendar’s List view now uses full-width color highlights for all events
- The Phone app keypad has been updated with Liquid Glass
Additionally, iOS 26.1 includes evidence in code of MCP support in the works for agentic AI features in the future.
Since this is just the first beta, it’s very possible Apple will have some additional new features and changes in store for future versions of iOS 26.1.
How to install the iOS 26.1 public beta
If you’ve previously been a member of Apple’s public beta program, you can download iOS 26.1 to your iPhone right from the Software Update screen in the Settings app. Just make sure that Beta Updates are still enabled.
If you’re new to using beta software from Apple, you can find more details and sign up for public betas on beta.apple.com.
Based on previous years’ patterns with x.1 releases, iOS 26.1 is likely to launch to all users in late October after several more betas debut.
Do you plan to run iOS 26.1 or stay off of betas for a while? Let us know in the comments.
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