New feature will keep iPhone flashlights from being turned off accidentally
We've all been there — fumbling around in the dark, trying to figure out our iPhone flashlight, accidentally turning the darn thing off and on. A new feature from Apple, rolling out with iOS 26.1, should work to stop you from flicking off your flashlight by accidentally turning on your camera.
The updated software dropped this week, and a flashlight fix is apparently among the new features. Apple-focused tech website 9to5Mac reported on the new feature. Basically the new feature is the option to turn off an old one. The site noted you just need to go to "Settings > Camera" and scroll down to the toggle labeled "Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera." All you do then is turn the feature from "on" to "off."
On the downside, swiping your locked screen will no longer automatically pull open your camera, which is a feature I use. But, on the plus side, the finicky, accidental swipe that turns off your camera would no longer be possible.
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It's that easy. So maybe next time you're rummaging through a dark storage closet, you won't suddenly lose the light helping you get things done.
Tim Marcin is an Associate Editor on the culture team at Mashable, where he mostly digs into the weird parts of the internet. You'll also see some coverage of memes, tech, sports, trends, and the occasional hot take. You can find him on Bluesky (sometimes), Instagram (infrequently), or eating Buffalo wings (as often as possible).
