iOS 26 and iOS 26.1 have introduced a plethora of customization options in the Settings app, offering users a more personalized experience. Here's a breakdown of the changes I made to my iPhone's settings, along with explanations and benefits.
Always On Display's Wallpaper Photo Blur
The Always On Display (AOD) feature received a subtle yet impactful update. By default, iOS 26 blurs your wallpaper photo in AOD mode, which might be to enhance the visibility of the Liquid Glass clock or to conserve battery life. While this change might not suit everyone's taste, it's easily reversible.
To revert to the previous behavior, navigate to Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display and toggle off 'Blur Wallpaper Photo'. This adjustment ensures that your AOD experience remains consistent with iOS 18.
Camera Swipe from Lock Screen
For years, swiping left on the Lock Screen has been a swift way to open the Camera app. However, iOS 26.1 introduces a new level of control. Users can now disable this gesture, providing a more personalized camera launch experience.
To customize this setting, go to Settings > Camera and locate the 'Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera' option near the bottom. Turning off the toggle ensures that accidental camera launches become a thing of the past.
Adaptive Power Mode
Apple's Adaptive Power mode is a game-changer for battery life. Unlike the traditional Low Power Mode, which significantly reduces performance, Adaptive Power makes subtle adjustments when your battery usage exceeds normal levels.
Found in Settings > Battery > Power Mode > Adaptive Power, this feature extends battery life by lowering display brightness, allowing for longer task completion times, or even activating Low Power Mode at 20%. It's a smart, energy-efficient solution that activates only when necessary, making it a valuable addition to your iPhone's toolkit.
AirPods Sleep Detection
iOS 26 introduced sleep detection for AirPods, a feature that pauses media when you fall asleep. While it's not a frequent occurrence for me, this setting is incredibly useful for those who struggle to find their place in audiobooks or podcasts after drifting off.
Located in the AirPods settings, the 'Pause Media When Falling Asleep' toggle ensures a seamless listening experience. It's available on AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4, making it a convenient addition for anyone who tends to fall asleep during media consumption.
