iOS Update Green Light program: iOS and iPadOS 26.1

1 min read

Apple has released iOS and iPadOS 26.1 for iPhone and iPad, adding a handful of new features and enhancements (see the full feature list below). As with any software update, we recommend waiting until your app or accessory developer has time to test it and verify there are no compatibility issues.

What’s new in iPadOS 26.1

Slide Over
– Slide Over lets you keep a window on top of other windows, and easily hide off screen when not in use
– Resizable windows in Slide Over let you choose your preferred size and aspect ratio

Local capture
– Gain control is available for external USB microphones when recording with local capture
– Option to let you choose where local capture files are saved

This update includes the following features and enhancements:
– Liquid Glass setting gives you the option to choose between the default clear look or a new tinted look which increases opacity of the material in apps and notifications on the Lock Screen
– Apple Music MiniPlayer swipe gesture to go to the next or previous track
– Apple Music AutoMix support over AirPlay
– New Camera setting to turn on or off Lock Screen swipe to open Camera
– Improved FaceTime audio quality in low-bandwidth conditions
– Communication Safety and Web content filters to limit adult websites are enabled by default for existing child accounts for ages 13-17 (Age varies by country or region)
– Discover new content, spatial experiences, and quickly access information about your device using Apple Vision Pro app, now available on iPad

Author
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Bret Koebbe

Bret is a senior vice president at Sporty's and senior flight instructor for Sporty's Academy. In addition to Bret's teaching responsibilities, Bret leads Sporty's video production and app development team and serves as editor of iPad Pilot News. As an airline transport pilot, Bret is a senior captain in Sporty's corporate flight department.

Latest posts by Bret Koebbe (see all)

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iOS Update Green Light program: iOS and iPadOS 26.1 - November 11, 2025

Wes Mattingly says:

August 20, 2025 at 2:12 pm

Hi Bret! The Green-light testing program appears to be only up to iOS 18.6. My iPad and iPhone are requesting 18.6.2. Why are we behind 2 updates?

Thanks!

Bret Koebbe says:
August 20, 2025 at 5:11 pm

Hi Wes, iOS 18.6.2 was released this afternoon. The latest guidance has been updated here.

Rudi says:

September 16, 2025 at 12:18 pm

Looks like ForeFlight detected an issue with overheating when using V26 OSe. Anybody with more insight?

Michael Reamy says:

September 22, 2025 at 5:01 pm

Just received the all clear for Garmin Pilot, via the EFB, for iPadOS 26.

Jeff says:

October 1, 2025 at 11:21 am

I sure wish you would include IFLY GPS on your app list … for VFR flying it blows away every other app on the list. Can’t say for sure about IFR but my impression is that there are more sophisticated apps such as Fore Flight that are more suitable for IFR. But if anyone reading this flies VFR pretty much all the time, IFLY GPS is the most intuitive, easy to use, and informative app there is … and I’ve tried almost all of them.