Apple appears ready to make a rare design adjustment following user backlash. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company is preparing to release iOS 26.1 early this week, potentially on Monday, with a new option allowing users to reduce the intensity of the Liquid Glass effect.
The update comes after weeks of complaints over the readability and lag issues caused by the transparent design introduced in iOS 26 during WWDC 2025.
In iOS 26.1’s fourth beta, Apple added a tinted setting that lets users apply a frosted or more opaque appearance to system elements. This change boosts contrast, improving legibility for those who found the default transparency hard on the eyes.
“Choose your preferred look for Liquid Glass. Clear is more transparent, revealing the content beneath. Tinted increases opacity and adds more contrast,” reads Apple’s description of the new feature.
The toggle is available under Settings > Display and Brightness on iPhone or iPad, and System Settings > Appearance on macOS.
Not just design fix: Stability and reliability
While iOS 26.1 won’t bring any major new features, Gurman noted that the update will deliver a more stable and reliable experience, with fewer bugs than earlier versions. Alongside the design tweak, Apple will reportedly update the Apple TV icon and roll out other minor fixes.
The first beta of iOS 26.2 is also expected to be released to developers shortly after iOS 26.1’s public rollout — likely by Tuesday — followed by updates to macOS 26.1 and watchOS 26.2.
Apple responds to user input
The addition of a toggle to reduce the Liquid Glass effect marks one of the few times Apple has directly responded to widespread user feedback during an iOS cycle.
Beta testers and users on social media had criticized the transparent interface for being “too flashy” and “hard to read,” prompting the company to introduce the new contrast option.
By making the Liquid Glass effect customizable, Apple seems to be striking a balance between its futuristic design vision and user comfort.
