Apple has introduced a new setting in its developer betas for iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS 26.1 that gives users the option to reduce transparency in the “Liquid Glass” design language, according to multiple reports.
“Liquid Glass,” first revealed this year, uses translucent layers and glass-like effects throughout Apple’s user interfaces. Some users found the highly transparent look stylish, but others said it made text hard to read or caused visual fatigue. Apple appears to be responding by adding a toggle between two modes: “Clear,” which maintains the original transparent style, and “Tinted,” which increases opacity and contrast to make UI elements easier to distinguish.
What the change involves
- On iPhone and iPad you can find the new option under Settings → Display & Brightness → Liquid Glass. On the Mac it’s in System Settings → Appearance → Liquid Glass.
- Choosing “Tinted” reduces transparency for navigation bars, notification backgrounds and other interface elements; the “Clear” mode retains the see-through aesthetic.
- The change applies system-wide to operating system elements, and also to third-party apps that integrate the Liquid Glass effect.
Why Apple is making this change
Apple’s design overhaul with Liquid Glass aimed to unify its interfaces across devices and make them feel more dynamic. But early feedback suggested that high transparency could reduce legibility, especially in certain lighting conditions or for users with visual sensitivities. By offering a user-controlled toggle, Apple acknowledges the need for both aesthetic and functional flexibility.
What it means for you
If you prefer the dramatic effects of Liquid Glass, you can leave it in Clear mode. If you’d rather have clearer, higher-contrast visuals with less distraction or transparency, switch to Tinted. That means less visual noise and possibly better clarity for typography and app elements. It’s a more tailored experience based on how you use your device.
It’s not yet clear when the feature will roll out to all users outside the developer betas. Also, Apple has not said whether additional transparency levels or a slider will be added later. At this stage it’s a binary choice, not fine-tune control.
