Apple Seeds iOS 26.1 Release Candidate, reviving ‘Cover Flow’ Navigation for apps
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA – October 30, 2025 – Apple today released a release candidate of iOS 26.1 to developers and public beta testers, bringing with it a surprising throwback to the company’s past: a reimagined version of Cover Flow, the iconic visual app-switching interface first introduced with the iPod in 2007. The feature,now implemented as a gesture-based carousel within the App Switcher,allows users to scroll through open applications in a visually engaging,three-dimensional display.
The return of a Cover Flow-inspired interface marks a notable shift in iOS navigation, offering a more dynamic alternative to the existing card-based App Switcher. Apple originally debuted Cover Flow on the iPod in 2007, allowing users to visually browse their music libraries. While the original implementation has not been seen on iOS since, its reintroduction in iOS 26.1 suggests Apple is exploring ways to blend nostalgic design elements with modern functionality.
The iOS 26.1 release candidate, along with corresponding updates for iPadOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1, tvOS 26.1, watchOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1, arrives a week after the fourth beta versions were distributed. Developers and testers can download the new betas through the Settings app on compatible devices by navigating to General > Software Update. The release candidate indicates the final version of iOS 26.1 is imminent, and is expected to roll out to all compatible devices in the coming days.
