Apple is refining its innovative design direction with the latest iOS 26.1 beta, allowing iPhone users to have greater control over the Liquid Glass interface effect that was introduced earlier this year. This update enables users to switch between a clear and tinted version of the Liquid Glass aesthetic, a change made in response to user feedback. The Liquid Glass design, first presented in iOS 26, represents one of the most significant visual updates to Apple’s mobile operating system in years. It moves away from the flat, minimalist 2D appearance that characterized iOS design for over a decade, embracing depth, reflection, and fluid visual effects to create a more dynamic and immersive interface.
While many users have praised the new design, some expressed concerns that the high transparency levels impacted readability and visibility, particularly in bright environments or when using vibrant wallpapers. Addressing this feedback, Apple has introduced the ability to adjust the Liquid Glass effect in the iOS 26.1 beta. According to MacRumors, users can now select either the original clear effect or a newly introduced tinted theme. The tinted version slightly decreases transparency and enhances contrast across interface elements, making text and icons more prominent. “The tinted Liquid Glass theme reduces the transparency of the UI, especially for controls, enhancing visibility,” MacRumors reports. To use this new feature, users must first install the latest iOS 26.1 beta.
After updating, they can access the Settings app, go to Display & Brightness, and find the new Liquid Glass section. In this menu, users can toggle between Clear and Tinted themes, with each option offering a live preview to instantly view how their selection will affect the system interface. This update builds on existing customization tools that were introduced with iOS 26, where users could already modify transparency and contrast levels for better accessibility and visual comfort. The new tinting option further enhances personalization, giving iPhone users more freedom to customize their experience. Additionally, the Liquid Glass update is not the only enhancement in the iOS 26.1 beta. Apple has implemented various other improvements aimed at boosting usability and security.
One significant change is the ability to disable the camera shortcut on the lock screen, which helps prevent accidental activations. Furthermore, Apple has expanded the language support for Apple Intelligence, adding Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese. The company has also enhanced Live Translation capabilities for AirPods, now including Japanese, Korean, Italian, and both Traditional and Simplified Chinese. While there is no confirmed release date for the full version of iOS 26.1, Apple is anticipated to continue refining these features before launching the stable update to all users.
The company’s decision to provide users with more control over its most significant design change in years reflects its ongoing commitment to balancing innovation with accessibility and user comfort.
