Apple releases iPadOS 26.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.1 with Liquid Glass controls and other enhancements

macOS

Following a few weeks of developer and public betas, iPadOS 26.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.1 incremental OS updates are rolling out right now. These latest updates for eligible iPads and MacBooks bring a tinted Liquid Glass option, improved multitasking tools, bug fixes and security enhancements across the board. Moreover, the updates are part of a new unified year-based version numbering system, which arrived this fall from Apple.

iPadOS 26.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.1: Here’s what’s new

Like the latest iOS 26.1 update, the iPadOS 26.1 update adds a new tinted Liquid Glass option. We get new features for Apple Music, Camera, and FaceTime. The iPadOS 26.1 update also re-adds an updated version of the Slide Over multitasking mode, which uses quick swipes to summon and dismiss an individual app on top of the apps you’re already using.

Additionally, the Slide Over window can now be moved and resized just like any other iPadOS 26 app window. With iPadOS 26.1, the Apple Vision Pro app is available on iPad, offering spatial content discovery and device information access. This new iPadOS 26.1 update can be downloaded from the Settings app on a compatible device by going to General > Software Update.

The macOS Tahoe 26.1 update also brings a wide range of new features and additions. It allows MacBook users to switch between the default clear and new tinted appearances in the Liquid Glass section, which adds more opacity to app materials. With macOS 26.1, you can now use the AutoMix feature over AirPlay, allowing MacBook users to enjoy Apple Music with a wider range of the best wireless speakers and devices.

Apple has also improved FaceTime audio quality with macOS 26.1. Apple has also enabled Communication Safety and Web content filters by default for existing child accounts, which puts limits and restrictions on adult websites.