Quick Read
- AirDrop now supports secure one-time codes for file sharing with non-contacts, active for 30 days.
- iOS 26.1 enables users in Japan to assign alternative voice assistants (like Gemini, Alexa, ChatGPT) to the side button.
- Games app adds new library filters, real-time challenge scores, and improved controller support.
- Liquid Glass display effect can now be customized with a new ‘Tinted’ option.
- High blood pressure alerts are now available to third-party apps.
AirDrop Gets a Major Security Upgrade in iOS 26.1
Apple’s latest iOS 26.1 update isn’t just about the usual bug fixes—it’s a deliberate push to address real user concerns around privacy and daily convenience. At the heart of this update is a powerful new feature for AirDrop, the file-sharing tool that’s become essential for iPhone users worldwide. Until now, AirDrop’s three visibility settings (“Receiving Off,” “Contacts Only,” “Everyone for 10 Minutes”) left users choosing between accessibility and security. But with iOS 26.1, Apple introduces a one-time code system that changes the game.
Here’s how it works: Users can generate a secure, single-use code to share files with people outside their contact list. Once paired, these external contacts can send files for up to 30 days—no need to expose your device to everyone nearby. The update also includes a “Manage Known AirDrop Contacts” option, allowing users to see and control who has been granted access via these codes. According to TECHBOOK, this feature helps users avoid the awkward dance of toggling visibility and reduces the risks of unwanted file transfers.
Personalization with Voice Assistants: Apple Opens the Door
For years, the side button on iPhones has been synonymous with Siri. But in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, Apple is rethinking this exclusivity. Regulatory pressure from the European Union’s Digital Markets Act and a new Japanese law taking effect in December 2025 have prompted Apple to act. The result: Users in Japan—and soon, potentially elsewhere—can assign the side button to launch alternative voice assistants, including Google’s Gemini, Amazon Alexa, or OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Apple has already published developer guides for integrating these assistants, signaling a more open approach to digital ecosystems. For now, the feature is limited to Japanese Apple accounts, but it’s a clear indication that the company is preparing for a global shift. It’s not just about choice—it’s about letting users personalize their devices in ways that suit their lifestyles and needs.
Games App: More Control, Real-Time Scores, and Streamlined Experience
Gaming on iOS gets a notable boost with this update. Upon launching the Games app after installing iOS 26.1, users are greeted with a new welcome window highlighting fresh features. Players can now filter their game library by category and size, making it easier to find exactly what they want. The app’s interface is redesigned for seamless controller support, eliminating the need to constantly switch between gamepad and touchscreen controls.
Another highlight: Game challenges now display real-time scores directly on the screen, even during active gameplay sessions. These enhancements, detailed by MacRumors, reflect Apple’s intent to make iPhone gaming as intuitive and engaging as possible, whether users are casual players or serious competitors.
Liquid Glass Redefined: Tinted and Transparent Options
One of the subtler—but impactful—changes in iOS 26.1 is the improved customization of the Liquid Glass effect. Previously, users could only reduce transparency via accessibility settings. Now, the addition of a “Tinted” option in the Display & Brightness menu gives users more control over their device’s appearance. Choosing between ‘Reduce Transparency’ and ‘Tinted’ is now a matter of preference, with iOS prompting users to confirm their selection to prevent conflicts.
This isn’t just cosmetic—it’s about accessibility and comfort. For users sensitive to visual effects or those who simply prefer a different aesthetic, these options make daily use less straining and more enjoyable.
Health and Productivity: Expanding Notifications and Reminders
iOS 26.1 also takes steps to support health and productivity. The update extends high blood pressure notifications from Apple’s own apps to third-party developers, expanding the reach of potentially life-saving alerts. Reminders, a staple for many, now feature an alert system that’s more prominent and actionable, helping users stay organized and on track.
Release Timeline and Device Support
Apple’s development process for iOS 26.1 has moved quickly, with the third beta already in the hands of developers. A public release is expected in December 2025, and all devices compatible with iOS 26 will be eligible for the update. For many users, the promise of enhanced security, personalization, and smoother gaming will make this update a welcome change.
It’s worth noting that these innovations come amid a broader conversation about digital ecosystems and user choice. Apple’s willingness to open up its platform—albeit gradually—reflects shifting expectations in the tech world. As regulatory and user pressures mount, the company is showing that it can adapt without compromising its focus on security and quality.
Apple’s iOS 26.1 update is more than a collection of new features—it’s a statement about where the iPhone is headed. By balancing security, user choice, and entertainment, Apple is positioning its flagship device not just as a tool, but as a personalized digital companion for 2025 and beyond.