Apple has released betas for iOS 26.1 and other operating systems, introducing a new toggle to adjust the controversial Liquid Glass interface. The update allows users to switch between Clear and Tinted modes, increasing opacity and contrast to improve readability. This addresses complaints about the default translucency without fully altering the design.
Apple's Liquid Glass user interface, a prominent feature in its major software updates this year, introduced greater fluidity and translucency across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and other platforms. While visually striking, it drew criticism for hindering readability in default settings, as noted in reviews.
The upcoming 26.1 updates aim to mitigate these issues with a new toggle in the settings, enabling users to select between Clear (the default, highly translucent look) and Tinted modes. The Tinted option boosts opacity and contrast, making colors and shapes beneath glass panes more visible while retaining the overall Liquid Glass aesthetic. This serves as an intermediate step, positioned between the default and the more drastic "reduce transparency" accessibility setting, which affects broader visual elements.
As beta software, the toggle shows inconsistencies. It performs more reliably on iOS than macOS, where some apps require a system restart to revert to Clear mode, and elements like Control Center may ignore the setting. Apple anticipates refining these behaviors before public release.
The 26.1 betas extend to watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and HomePod OS, with a general rollout expected in the coming weeks. Beyond the toggle, the updates will address early bugs, enhance security, and incorporate minor features delayed from initial launches.