TL; DR
- Alarms and timers now need a “slide to stop” gesture to prevent accidental dismissals.
- iPad regains Slide Over multitasking for quick app access.
- Transparent navigation buttons return in Photos, and the Dock gets the Liquid Glass effect.
Apple has released iOS 26.1 Beta 2 to developers, refining usability and visual details across the system. While the update doesn’t introduce major new features, it polishes the iOS 26 experience with interface and control improvements.
Slide to Stop for Alarms
In this beta, alarms and timers now require users to slide to stop them on the Lock Screen, reducing accidental dismissals.
ALSO READ: iPhone 17 Pro vs. vivo X300 Pro vs. OPPO Find X9 Pro: Leaks Reveal the Ultimate Camera Showdown
Slide Over is Back
For iPad users, iPadOS 26.1 Beta 2 restores the Slide Over multitasking feature, allowing a floating app window over the main workspace for quick access.
More (and Less) Liquid Glass
Apple has also brought back transparent navigation buttons in the Photos app, giving it a more Liquid Glass-like look. Meanwhile, the Dock now gets the “Liquid Glass” effect seen elsewhere in iOS 26, improving visual consistency.
More apps have been updated to support the Liquid Glass redesign. However, the background in the control center is now more blurred, like it was in iOS 26.0.
ALSO READ: The iPhone 17 Pro’s 4X Telephoto Camera: Upgrade or Downgrade?
More Left-Alignment
Other changes include left-aligned headers in Settings and Home Screen folders (this was already the case with the passcode screen), new controls for external microphone gain, and an option for automatic background security updates. Accessibility settings now add a “Display Borders” toggle for clearer button outlines.
The update also reverts some visual changes from Beta 1, such as Calendar’s full-color backgrounds, which have been toned down. Overall, iOS 26.1 Beta 2 focuses on small changes. The stable rollout of iOS 26.1 is expected later this month.
You can follow Smartprix on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Google News. Visit smartprix.com for the latest tech and auto news, reviews, and guides.
