Apple has released the second beta of iOS 26.1 For developers, an iteration focused on refining system details and correcting controversial decisions from the previous version. In parallel, the public beta is imminent, expected to arrive in a matter of hours or days, with the final version targeted for the end of the month. The focus is on practical changes and visual coherence, rather than in major unreleased performances.
Anyone who installs this beta will notice that it's not a dramatic facelift, but rather a number of well-targeted tweaks: from how alarms are stopped to minor interface adjustments, including improvements to system apps and privacy and accessibility options. The “.1” update that rounds out the experience without breaking anything.
Alarm changes: slide to stop
The iOS 26 alarm redesign caused confusion with two nearly identical large buttons for snooze and stop. In iOS 26.1 beta 2, Apple corrects this with a clear decision: Stopping the alarm now requires swipingThe gesture reduces errors when waking up and prevents accidental silencing.
The operation is simple: to snooze, just tap; to turn it off completely, just swipe. It's a more conscious gesture that inevitably recalls the old unlock interaction, but applied to a more useful context today. The intention is to minimize the "slaps" that turn off alarms by accident..
More consistent interface and Liquid Glass tweaks
There are also subtle changes to the system's presentation. In Settings, headings that include text are no longer centered and are now align left, something that is replicated in the folders on the home screen, whose names are now displayed consistently when opening them.
The visual language Liquid glass adjusts and expands. In this beta, the effect softens on the home screen to gain legibility and extends to new areas like the Phone keypad or the clock on certain custom lock screens. Developers are also seeing that style in TestFlight, a sign that Apple progressively standardizes the look throughout the system.
Another minor but welcome detail: the Display section shows Sample backgrounds that already correspond to iOS 26, unifying visual references and avoiding mixing with old images.
More news in system apps
The Fitness app gains a much-requested feature: custom workoutsSessions can be created from scratch by adjusting the activity type, duration, expected effort, estimated active calories, and even start time.
A quick gesture for everyday use appears in Apple Music: change songs by sliding sideways, both in the full-screen player and the mini player. Small change, big habit.
Notes incorporates a useful interaction when editing: with text selected, A simple swipe to the left displays all the tools at once. format, avoiding extra touches and hidden access.
Photos rearranges its action menus and places shortcuts like Favorite, Play as Slideshow, or Hide at the top, making their location more predictable. It's a usability setting which reduces unnecessary searches.
Privacy, accessibility and stability
Under Privacy and Security there is an option to download and install security enhancements in the background, which replaces the old Quick Reply system. The idea is to reinforce the device without interrupting the user.
In Accessibility, the new option Show borders It replaces "Button Shapes," and the ability to reduce transparency remains available for those who prefer solid colors and greater contrast. These settings make it easier to read and interact with in different contexts.
Performance feels more refined compared to the previous beta, with less stuttering and more consistent behavior. beta for developers It is available since the beginning of the week (Monday, October 6), the public one should be activated between Tuesday and Wednesday, and the final version expected by the end of October, with a high probability around the 27th.
This second beta of iOS 26.1 does not seek to dazzle, but correct what was bothersome and polish what already worked. The new alarm gesture, consistent interface alignment, Liquid Glass tweaks, and app and security improvements make up a set of discreet changes but practical, the kind that you notice after a few days of actual use.
