Apple Introduces 'Slide to Stop' Gesture in iOS 26.1 to Prevent Accidental Alarm Stoppages
Apple's iOS development team, led by senior engineers and product managers, has introduced a new gesture in the latest beta of iOS 26.1. The 'Slide to Stop' feature aims to prevent accidental alarm deactivations, a common issue with the large buttons introduced in iOS 26.
The new gesture, reminiscent of the classic 'Slide to Unlock' on the iPhone, requires users to drag their finger across the screen to stop the alarm. This change is expected to reduce unintentional alarm stoppages, a problem users have reported since the introduction of the larger buttons in iOS 26.
In addition to alarms, Apple is applying this new gesture to timers as well, although accidental deactivation is less of an issue for them. This move suggests a push for consistency across iOS features.
iOS 26.1 is currently in beta, with the second beta version including improved support for third-party smartwatches, particularly in forwarding notifications. This update aligns with the EU Commission's requirements under the Digital Markets Act.
iOS 26.1, including the 'Slide to Stop' feature and improved smartwatch support, is expected to be released in late October, following Apple's typical update pattern. However, the final version of the change is uncertain, as Apple may be gathering user feedback before making a decision.
