iOS 26 introduces an innovative design element known as Liquid Glass, characterized by its transparency which allows content on the display to shine through the user interface. For users who may not prefer this aesthetic or are finding it difficult to read, there is a solution to enhance visibility without completely abandoning the new look. Apple offers several Accessibility options to cater to various visual preferences, one of which is the Reduce Transparency feature. By activating this setting, users can darken backgrounds of translucent elements, such as the Control Center, app icons, and folders, thus improving contrast and readability.
To enable Reduce Transparency, simply open the Settings app, navigate to Accessibility, select Display and Text Size, then toggle the Reduce Transparency option. For quick access, it’s possible to add this feature to your Accessibility Shortcuts, allowing you to toggle it directly from the Control Center interface. While enabling Reduce Transparency won’t eliminate all transparency in the iPhone’s interface, it provides a more opaque appearance overall. It’s important to note that this adjustment doesn’t alter button shapes or revert the design to that of earlier iOS versions.
Currently, we are in the early stages of beta testing, and user feedback will guide refinements to the Liquid Glass design. Transitioning to a fundamentally new interface can be challenging, particularly for developers participating in the beta. Using Reduce Transparency temporarily may help ease this transition. Many users will likely acclimate to the Liquid Glass design within a few days, as Apple aims to maintain a sense of familiarity despite the changes.
The design may continue to evolve leading up to the public rollout, which is expected in September following a public beta in July.
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