Apple’s upcoming iOS 26.1 update brings a small yet nostalgic change to iPhones, reviving one of the most iconic interactions from the very first iPhone released in 2007. The update introduces a new “Slide to Stop” feature for alarms — a subtle but thoughtful redesign that recalls the classic “Slide to Unlock” gesture that defined early iPhone user experiences.
According to MacRumors, when an alarm rings in the Clock app, users will now see a slider labeled Slide to stop instead of a simple on-screen button. In previous versions of iOS 26, users could only tap a large Stop button, which was often prone to accidental touches. With this change, Apple not only improves practicality but also delivers a touch of nostalgia for longtime iPhone fans.
The new control mirrors the tactile satisfaction of the original Slide to Unlock bar, which remained on the iPhone lock screen from 2007 until 2016. By bringing back this classic gesture in a modern context, Apple seems to be honoring its design roots while offering a small yet meaningful enhancement to daily usability.
Reports suggest that the Release Candidate version of iOS 26.1 rolled out earlier this week, indicating that the final public version will likely arrive early next week — possibly on Monday or Tuesday. Beyond this nostalgic change, iOS 26.1 is expected to deliver several small quality-of-life improvements, showing Apple’s continued focus on refining user experience even through minor updates.
