iOS 26.1 beta 4 has introduced some exciting changes. One standout feature is the ability to turn off the Camera swipe gesture on the Lock Screen. This means you can stop accidental Camera launches, which can be frustrating!
What’s New in iOS 26.1?
For years, swiping left on the Lock Screen was the fastest way to open the Camera app. This feature gained popularity with early iPhones but saw a decline after the iPhone X, which introduced a dedicated Camera button. With newer models like the iPhone 16 and 17, that button has become even more accessible.
Now, you can completely disable the swipe-to-open feature. This is a welcome change for those who accidentally start the Camera when they don’t mean to.
Aaron Perris shared this discovery on X, and many users are pleased that they finally have this option. It seems this tweak may have been overdue, especially as the dedicated button makes the swipe gesture less necessary.
Another interesting point is that you can now customize the control on the Lock Screen. Instead of the Camera button, you can replace it with another feature you prefer. This personalization option has been around since iOS 18.
User Opinions and Trends
User reactions have been positive overall. Social media is buzzing with comments about how nice it is to have fewer accidental photos. Many users appreciate the flexibility to tailor their device’s functionality to their habits.
In a recent survey, around 65% of iPhone users said they find the swipe gesture more annoying than helpful. This statistic highlights how this new feature could significantly enhance user experience.
Overall, the updates in iOS 26.1 show Apple’s responsiveness to user needs. Whether you decide to keep the swipe feature or turn it off, you now have the power to choose.
For more information about iOS updates, check out the official Apple Support page here.
