The first release of the software arrived on all compatible iPhones in September, just ahead of the new iPhone 17 models and the iPhone Air landing in stores. Now, the first major update is available in the form of iOS 26.1, and it offers a number of extra features. That includes the ability to tone down the Liquid Glass design.

1. Tap Settings. 2. Tap Privacy & Security. 3. Tap Background Security Improvements near the bottom of the menu. 4. Tap the toggle next to Automatically Install. Now your iPhone will download small security updates and install them on your device automatically.

Prepare for iOS 26.1 with this essential guide. Learn how to check compatibility, free up storage, and back up your data before updating.

Liquid Glass and the iOS 26 update have had a very mixed reception so far, but there are plenty of good reasons to upgrade, too.

On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look at Model Name. If your phone isn't on the compatibility list, it will keep receiving iOS 18 security patches for a while, but you won't see any of iOS 26's new features.