Finally: Apple Allows You to Disable the Annoying Camera Swipe Gesture

On 21 October 2025, Daily CyberSecurity reports that Apple is introducing a toggle to disable the long-standing swipe-to-open Camera gesture on iPhone, addressing users who dislike accidental activations. In iOS 26.1 Beta 4, the new option appears in Settings under the Camera settings called “Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera”; the feature remains enabled by default, but users can turn it off if they wish. Once disabled, the camera can still be accessed by long-pressing the camera icon on the lock screen.

The update is framed as a welcome improvement for those who experience unintended launches or battery drain when the phone is left awake in a pocket. The article notes that iOS 26.1 is in beta during Beta 4, implying a stable version is expected soon, with the change visible to beta testers ahead of a public release.