Apple’s iOS 26.1 update is one of the most anticipated releases this season, as the company works to refine the new iOS experience for iPhone users.
Over the past few weeks, Apple has been rolling out multiple iOS 26.1 beta versions, leading many to expect the full public release before the end of October. However, with only a few days left in the month, most reports now suggest that iOS 26.1 will likely arrive either early next week or in the first week of November. This timeline aligns with Apple’s usual schedule of launching the Release Candidate (RC) version shortly before the official rollout.
The iOS 26 update has already introduced a refreshed interface, including the new Liquid Glass UI, which brings a sleek, translucent design across system elements. Apple has also added the ability for users to adjust the transparency of this effect, offering greater customization. The latest beta 4 version builds on this by adding even more personalization options and visual tweaks.
Feedback from testers has been mixed—while some praise the elegant new design, others prefer a more traditional look. Apple appears to be listening, as users can now easily disable the Liquid Glass aesthetic and switch to a more opaque appearance through Accessibility settings.
Typically, reaching the beta 4 stage signals that Apple is nearing final release readiness. Still, the company will only push the update once it’s confident in stability and performance across eligible iPhones.
In short, if Apple maintains its current pace, iPhone users can expect iOS 26.1 to debut in the coming days—likely in early November.
