Apple rolls out big iOS 26.1 with security update to eligible iPhones

For iPhones used by teens, the iOS 26.1 update brings new Communication Safety and Web content filters will limit adult websites. It will be enabled by default for existing child accounts for children.

After months of testing, Apple has rolled out the much-awaited iOS 26.1 update to all eligible iPhones worldwide.

It is a big update, measuring 12.69GB in size. Once upgraded to iOS 26.1, iPhone will offer a new option to choose between the default clear look and a new tinted look that increases the opacity of material in apps and notifications on the Lock Screen.

For iPhones used by teens, the new Communication Safety and Web content filters will limit adult websites. It will be enabled by default for existing child accounts for children (aged 13–17, varies by country or region)

The Apple Music Mini player gets a new swipe gesture to go to the next or previous track

For AirPods, iOS 26.1 brings Live Translation support for Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, Korean and Italian.

The new update also brings a new option for users without an Apple Watch to log manual workout data directly from the Fitness app.

The iOS 26.1 update also promises to improve FaceTime audio quality in low-bandwidth (cellular) conditions.

Apple iOS 26.1 update.

Further, it brings new Camera settings to turn on or off Lock Screen swipe to open Camera.

The iOS 26.1 also addresses a critical user privacy issue that allowed a malicious app to capture screenshots of sensitive information in embedded views on iPhone.

The new update also fixes a memory handling issue triggered by a malicious app on iPhone, causing unexpected system termination or corrupt kernel memory.

It also fixes a security issue on the Find My app by moving sensitive data to a safer location in the device. There was a privacy vulnerability in the Notes, and this has been resolved by removing the vulnerable code.

Apple has rolled similar iPadOS 26.1 update is also released to the iPads.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max.

List of iPhones eligible for iOS 26.1 update:

iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and iPhone SE (2nd gen).

Apple iPad Air M2 with Magic Keyboard.

List of Apple iPads eligible for iPadOS 26.1 update:

iPad Pro (M4), iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (3rd generation and newer versions), iPad Pro 11‑inch (1st generation and newer versions), iPad Air (M3), iPad Air (M2), iPad Air (3rd generation and newer versions), iPad (A16), iPad (8th generation and newer versions), iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad mini (5th generation and newer versions).

Here's how to install iOS 26/iPadOS 26 on iPhones and iPads:

Via OTA (Over-The-Air)

Prerequisite: Users who want to install the update directly onto the device through OTA, make sure there is enough storage space and the device has more than 50% battery life, before initiating the download of the new iOS/iPadOS update.

Step 1: Settings >> General >> Software update

Via manual installation through Apple iTunes

Prerequisite: Make sure to back up your iPhone/iPad with either iCloud or via iTunes before initiating the download procedure. Also, your PC must have the latest version of the iTunes app. If not, go to About and then check for Updates or visit iTunes.com.

Step 1: Launch iTunes on your Mac or PC.

Step 2: Insert your iPhone/iPad if it isn't already.

Step 3: Tap on the iPhone/ iPad in the top left navigation.

Step 4: Tap on the Check for Update button in the first section that contains information about your device, and alternatively, you can click Restore instead if you'd like to do a clean wipe with updated software.

Step 5: An update should be recognised, click on Download and Update in the pop-up menu and agree to the terms and conditions.

Step 6: Unlock your device with your passcode if prompted to continue with the upgrade.

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