Apple's New Alarm Twist: Slide to Silence, But Not to Unlock!
A recent iOS update has sparked a buzz among iPhone users, especially those who fondly recall the 'slide to unlock' era. But here's the twist: Apple has reintroduced sliding, but not for unlocking. Instead, it's now a feature to stop your alarms!
For years, swiping right on the Lock Screen has been a gateway to widgets. But with iOS 26.1, swiping takes on a new role. Imagine waking up and reaching for your phone, only to find a 'Slide to stop' prompt instead of the familiar tap-to-dismiss. It's a change that might catch many off guard, especially those who value consistency in their morning routines.
And this is where it gets controversial—while some embrace the nostalgic slide feature, others might find it disruptive. Apple, known for its user-centric design, has made this change without an immediate opt-out. However, they've hidden a gem in the settings: a 'Prefer Single-Touch Actions' option, which lets you revert to the traditional button-based alarm dismissal.
To find this hidden preference, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Touch and toggle on 'Prefer Single-Touch Action'. This simple adjustment allows you to disable sliders across iOS, ensuring your alarms and timers respond to taps, just as they did before.
So, what's your take? Do you welcome the return of sliding interactions, or do you prefer the simplicity of buttons? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss whether Apple's latest move is a step towards innovation or a nod to nostalgia.