Introduction to iOS 26.1 and Why Post-Update Steps Matter
The release of iOS 26.1 marks the first big update to iOS 26 since it was released back in September. This is noted as an amazing new release that includes many new features and changes, including several features that users had been asking for. Notable new capabilities include the ability to customize the look of the new Liquid Glass effect and swipe gestures for the Music app.
While exploring these new features is exciting, it is vital to perform a few critical checks immediately after completing the update to ensure your device is secure and performing optimally.
iOS 26.1: The First Major Release
iOS 26.1 delivers substantial changes and improvements. Following any major software update like this, user diligence is required to optimize device performance and security settings.
Essential Checks Immediately Following the iOS 26.1 Update
To ensure your iPhone runs smoothly and securely on iOS 26.1, follow these five essential steps:
Manage Beta and Automatic Updates
If you previously updated to any of the betas of iOS 26.1, you must ensure you have the latest version (meaning the RC) installed on your device to confirm it is out of the beta program. Always check the software update page to confirm the latest update is installed.
You also need to adjust your settings concerning future updates:
- Turn Off Betas: If you do not wish to continue updating your device to upcoming betas (such as iOS 26.2 beta), you should go to the software update section and turn off the betas for iOS 26.
- Enable Automatic Security Updates: As iOS 26.2 goes into beta and you remain on iOS 26.1, Apple will likely release smaller, important updates like iOS 26.1.1. These smaller releases are crucial for security fixes and performance improvements. You must ensure that you have automatic updates set for security responses and everything else to automatically receive these patches.
Check for Carrier Updates
Another important step after an iOS update is checking for a carrier update. Carrier updates often become available after updating your iPhone to a new iOS release.
To check, navigate to Settings > General > About. You do not need to take any action other than opening this section and staying on the screen for about 10 to 15 seconds. If a carrier update is available, a pop-up will appear on the screen. Simply tap Install; the process takes only a couple of seconds and will not require your device to reboot.
Ensure App Compatibility (Update Apps)
After updating your iOS device, you must also update all your applications.
This step is necessary because app developers need to ensure their apps are compatible with the new iOS software release (iOS 26.1). You will see a ton of updates, especially from larger, more popular apps that people use daily.
You can manually update your apps by going to your account on the App Store. Alternatively, you can set up automatic updates:
- Go to Settings > App Store.
- Under Automatic Downloads, make sure App Updates are enabled. This way, when an update is released for an app, it will install automatically on your iPhone, relieving you of the manual updating process.
Review Battery Health
Checking the battery health of your device after updating to iOS 26.1 is considered very important.
The maximum capacity (battery health percentage) is typically not updated regularly on iOS. Instead, it is usually only updated when you upgrade the device to a new iOS software. During the software update, the iPhone rechecks all its components, including the battery, and displays the true battery health. For example, if your battery has been showing 88% for a couple of months, it might drop by two or three percentages after the update to reflect its true condition.
The reason this check is vital is that if your battery’s maximum capacity was already very low before the update (e.g., at 81%, 82%, or 83%), the post-update recheck might cause it to drop under 80%. If the maximum capacity falls below 80%, the battery is not in good condition, and the iPhone will slow down (it won’t work at its maximum capacity). In this scenario, you will need to replace the battery.
Scrutinize Privacy Settings
Finally, it is suggested that you check all your privacy settings every time you update your device.
Sometimes, when setting up a new application, users may quickly go through pop-ups and inadvertently allow access to features they didn’t intend to. Updating iOS is an ideal time to review these crucial permissions:
- Location Services: Check which apps have access to your location and ensure they are the ones you want.
- Other Important Permissions: Review access rights for Photos, Media, Bluetooth, Local Network, Microphone, Camera, and Speech Recognition.
Wrapping up your iOS 26.1 update checklist, these five post-update steps might seem small, but they make a huge difference in keeping your iPhone fast, secure, and reliable. Whether it’s making sure you’ve left the beta channel, verifying carrier updates, or auditing your privacy settings, each action helps your device work as Apple intended.
Now that your iPhone is fully up to date and optimized, take a moment to explore the new features in iOS 26.1 — especially the refreshed Music app gestures and Liquid Glass effects — and enjoy a smoother, smarter iOS experience.
