- By Prateek Levi
- Thu, 06 Nov 2025 01:14 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Apple has begun rolling out its latest software updates, iPadOS 26.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.1, following several weeks of beta testing among both developers and the general public. These incremental releases bring visual upgrades, performance refinements, and security enhancements to compatible iPads and MacBooks alike. These updates are also the first to reflect Apple's new unified, year-based version numbering system introduced earlier this fall.
Refreshed Look and Enhanced Experience on iPadOS 26.1
The new iPadOS 26.1 update brings with it a tinted version of Apple's Liquid Glass interface, adding a subtle colour overlay to the translucent design elements throughout the operating system. Meanwhile, Apple also made some enhancements to native apps such as Apple Music, Camera, and FaceTime.
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The most significant addition is a slide-over multitasking mode that has been overhauled to let you quickly pull up a floating app window with a swipe. You can dismiss it just as easily. For the first time, the Slide Over panel supports resizing and arbitrary positioning – quite similar to how you handle windows on your desktop.
Apple has also released an update that extends its Vision Pro integration, introducing a companion app on iPad that will provide users with tools for the discovery of spatial content as well as device information. As is standard, it can be downloaded by heading to Settings > General > Software Update on supported iPads.
What's New on macOS Tahoe 26.1
On the Mac side, macOS Tahoe 26.1 offers a similar tinted Liquid Glass option, letting users toggle between clear and tinted modes for a more customisable look. It also improves Apple Music playback with AutoMix over AirPlay, extending compatibility with more wireless speakers and audio devices.
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Other notable updates include enhanced FaceTime audio quality and bolstered parental safety features, which now see Communication Safety and web content filters activated by default for child accounts.
These updates further reinforce Apple's ecosystem experience by promising smoother visuals, tighter integration of devices, and an added layer of safety.