Apple’s latest iOS 26.1 beta 4 update brings a small but thoughtful change for iPhone users who found the new “Liquid Glass” design a little too transparent. The update now adds a toggle that lets you tone down that see-through look. Also Read: WhatsApp’s New iPhone Update Brings Liquid Glass Design, But Also a Strange Mute Bug
You can now choose between two styles: transparent and tinted. Clear mode retains the glossy, glass-like transparency introduced by iOS 26, showing the background below menus, buttons, and bars. Tinted mode, on the other hand, darkens the look slightly, adds more contrast, and makes the interface easier on the eyes. Also read: iOS 26 Inspiration or copy? Vivo revealed OriginOS 6 update with liquid glass-like design
You’ll find this option under Settings, Display & Brightness, then Liquid Glass. A quick preview will also show what each mode looks like before you choose one. Also Read: iOS 26.1 Update: All the New Features, Changes and Fixes Coming to iPhones
Why Apple added this option
The Liquid Glass interface was one of the big visual changes in iOS 26. It made iPhones look more layered and smoother, but not everyone liked it. Some users said that the high level of transparency made text harder to read and even caused slight eye strain.
According to Apple, this new setting comes directly from user feedback collected during the beta testing phase of iOS 26. The company wanted to give users more control over the degree of transparency they see in the system. The change also applies to apps, notifications and menus – so the overall UI now looks more customizable.
Also available on iPad and Mac
This isn’t limited to iPhones. The same Liquid Glass appearance option is also part of iPadOS 26.1 and macOS 26.1, so users of all devices can now decide how “glassy” they want their screens to be.
Apple is expected to roll out the stable version of iOS 26.1 soon, bringing this change and other improvements, including minor UI updates, new Apple Intelligence languages, and improvements to the Settings app.
