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Today marks the launch of Apple’s iOS 26, introducing a stunning new aesthetic referred to as Liquid Glass. Since Apple moved away from skeuomorphism back in 2013, the iPhone’s home screen has remained relatively unchanged. However, after installing this latest update, users may be in for a surprise. The fresh design emphasizes transparency, and reactions have been mixed.
If the new Liquid Glass aesthetic doesn’t sit well with your preferences, there are modifications you can undertake. While completely reverting to the previous design isn’t an option, you can adjust your iPhone to resemble its past state, both on the home screen and within apps like Safari.
Understanding Liquid Glass
The first step is familiarizing oneself with the new design. For those who experienced Windows Vista, this concept may resonate. The operating system gained notoriety for its transparency effects that could slow performance. However, iOS appears to have sidestepped these issues, aiming to achieve a similar effect: allowing a glimpse of the underlying elements through blurring and transparency around buttons and menus.
The idea is to create an enriched visual experience, helping users comprehend the relationship between various interface elements. In reality, though, some users have found it distracting, inundating their displays with unnecessary information that offers little utility.
Apple has taken feedback into account, as seen in the iOS 26 beta, where measures have been made to simplify the Control Center’s appearance. Nevertheless, the overhaul remains largely intact.
Adjusting Liquid Glass Settings
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt
For those wishing to maintain a more traditional look for their iPhone, there are viable solutions. Users uncovered an existing accessibility feature during the beta phase which counters many of the Liquid Glass effects. While it does not completely negate all the updates—like the larger toggle button—it significantly reverts the design back to its original form.
This feature, known as Reduce Transparency, has been available for years, intended to provide a solid background for any elements that previously had blurred or transparent backgrounds, such as the Passcode input screen. Currently, it also impacts the Liquid Glass design in its entirety.
To examine the differences, you can view them here. Notice how the play button in Apple Music no longer allows blurring of album art, making it easier to read the artist’s name?
What are your thoughts?
