Apple introduced a new design language called Liquid Glass with iOS 26 in September. This update gave menus, notification panels, and search bars a translucent, animated look. While some users appreciate the refreshed interface, others find it distracting or more challenging to read. Apple refined the design during the beta phase to make text and icons easier to read, but many users still prefer the simpler, opaque look from earlier versions.
With the latest iOS 26.1 update released this week, Apple added a new setting that lets users adjust the Liquid Glass effects. If you prefer the earlier, more solid interface style, you can reduce the transparency and increase contrast in just a few simple steps. Here’s a complete guide to make the Liquid Glass design more subtle or remove its effect entirely using built-in
iPhone settings:
iOS26 now available: Things to know
How to adjust the Liquid Glass design with iOS 26.1
Follow these steps to reduce transparency and restore a cleaner appearance across your iPhone:
- Open Settings
- Tap Accessibility
- Select Display & Text Size
- Toggle on Reduce Transparency
How are these settings different from each other
Effect
| Result
|
Reduce Transparency (ON)
| Darkens menus and background panels across apps such as Messages, Notification Center, and Control Center
|
Increase Contrast (Optional)
| Adds subtle white outlines around interface elements, making them easier to distinguish
|
Clear Icons (Optional)
| Keeps app icons minimal and ensures your wallpaper remains the primary focus
|
Tip: If you prefer using Clear icons, it’s better to leave Reduce Transparency and Increase Contrast turned off, as both can make the icons appear more prominent and reduce the minimalist effect.
If you want to bring back the translucent Liquid Glass effect later:
- Open Settings
- Go to Accessibility → Display & Text Size
- Turn Reduce Transparency back off
This will return your menus and interface elements to their translucent style.
How adjusting these settings may help users
Reason
| Expected Benefit
|
Improved Legibility
| Darker backgrounds make text easier to read in various lighting conditions.
|
Personal Preference
| Some users prefer the traditional opaque look for familiarity and focus.
|
Battery Consideration
| Reducing transparency may lower GPU workload in some cases.
|
Apple’s Liquid Glass interface in iOS 26 adds a modern, dynamic look, but it may not suit everyone’s preference. The Accessibility settings allow users to fine-tune or disable these effects without affecting performance or functionality. By following the steps above, you can restore a more familiar appearance and improve visibility across your iPhone’s interface, keeping your device comfortable to use, your way.