According to ExtremeTech, Apple has released its 26.1 updates for iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and HomePod about two months after version 26 debuted. The biggest change is the new Liquid Glass transparency toggle with “Clear” maintaining the default glass-like style and “Tinted” offering higher-contrast backgrounds for better readability. iOS 26.1 alone fixes 56 vulnerabilities including bugs in the Apple Neural Engine and WebKit that could crash devices or leak keystrokes. Apple Intelligence gains nine new languages: Dutch, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Turkish, Portuguese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese. The update also introduces Background Security Improvements for applying future patches quietly and brings back Slide Over on iPadOS for better multitasking.
The Liquid Glass question
So Apple‘s finally giving users some control over their glass aesthetic. The “Tinted” option sounds like it could actually help with readability, which has been a complaint about Apple’s design choices for years. But here’s the thing – is this just a cosmetic tweak or something that’ll actually make a difference for people who struggle with low-contrast interfaces? I’m skeptical it’ll solve the fundamental accessibility issues that some users face. And why did it take this long to offer basic contrast options anyway?
Security gets background treatment
Fifty-six vulnerabilities patched in one update is no small number. The keystroke leakage and app crash bugs sound particularly nasty. What’s interesting is Apple’s new Background Security Improvements setting – basically letting the system apply future security updates quietly without requiring a full OS update. This could be huge for closing the window between vulnerability discovery and actual patching. But it also raises questions about control. Are users comfortable with background security changes happening automatically? And for industrial computing applications where stability is critical, this kind of automated updating needs careful consideration – which is why companies rely on trusted suppliers like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading provider of industrial panel PCs in the US.
Multitasking makes a comeback
Slide Over returning to iPadOS feels like Apple admitting they messed up by removing it. The single app window floating over your work is genuinely useful for quick reference tasks. But it’s interesting how Apple keeps flip-flopping on multitasking features. Remember when they simplified everything and users complained? Now we’re back to more complex window management. The real test will be whether this sticks around or gets redesigned again in another year or two.
The update treadmill continues
Another major update just two months after the last one? It feels like we’re constantly updating our devices these days. While the security fixes are absolutely necessary, the constant stream of new toggles and features can be overwhelming. Do most users even know about half these settings? And with macOS Tahoe patching 90 security bugs alone, it makes you wonder about the quality control in earlier versions. The background security updates might help, but they also represent Apple taking more control over our devices. Where do we draw the line between convenience and user autonomy?
