A new toggle now allows control over the opacity of the Liquid Glass interface in iOS 26.1 Beta 4, letting users choose between “Clear” and “Tinted”.
The toggle appears under Settings → Display & Brightness → Liquid Glass, and similar options are available in iPadOS 26.1 and macOS 26.1 developer betas.
The move addresses user feedback about readability and visual clarity in the ultra‑translucent Liquid Glass design introduced at WWDC 2025.
Apple’s latest developer beta for iOS 26.1 introduces a new display setting that lets users soften the Liquid Glass effect. According to reports, the toggle offers two options: Clear (the basic ultra-transparent appearance) and Tinted (an opaque and high-contrast version). The purpose is to achieve better readability and to eliminate unnecessary transparency while keeping the design language.
For anyone who has struggled to read text against overly translucent menus or complex backgrounds, this update could significantly improve usability. Under the hood, this option appears in the Display & Brightness section of Settings on iPhones, while Macs find it in the Appearance pane of System Settings. Unifying this across Apple’s ecosystem, including iPads and Macs, keeps design consistent while giving users some visual control.
At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled the Liquid Glass design language, which spans iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26. Liquid Glass is described as a translucent “material” that reflects and refracts its surroundings, creating a sense of fluid depth in interface elements.
The users’ initial reactions were positive about the design, but they raised concerns about the readability and lack of transparency in specific situations. As reported by Wired, accessibility advocates noted that readability suffered, especially on older devices or in certain lighting.
The introduction of this toggle indicates Apple is responding to user feedback more flexibly. According to a TechCrunch report, Apple confirmed that during beta testing, users requested a more opaque option because of legibility problems in the original design.
For users in India and elsewhere, this means the premium‑style glass effect doesn’t have to compromise readability. With settings adjusted, the interface can look modern while remaining functional in varied lighting conditions, such as bright daylight or indoor glare.
The toggle is currently available in the developer beta build of iOS 26.1 and the corresponding betas for iPadOS and macOS. Apple typically rolls new features into public betas a little later, so wider access should follow soon. Early adopters and developers can start testing now, and the general release likely follows the public‑beta cycle.
The new toggle to control the transparency of Liquid Glass is a smart upgrade that retains Apple’s sleek design while making screens more straightforward to read. It simply provides an opportunity to balance both style and usability, especially for those who found the original look a bit too bright.
Apple’s history demonstrates quite clearly that it can gradually improve over significant design changes. This update is in line with that, offering fresh visuals along with functional features making the experience better for all. Users considering an upgrade should see this as a beneficial change: the glossy aesthetics remain, but with enhanced practicality and flexibility.
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