Apple gave iOS an enormous overhaul in 2025, switching up the naming conference and rolling out Liquid Glass, which supplies your icons, toolbars, menus, and different components a translucent look, as for those who’re wanting via glass. The issue? Not everybody loves the brand new look.
I’ll confess that I’ve been on the fence about it. I like some features, akin to the way it renders icons and folders, however I don’t like the way it generally obscures menu objects and controls. Some folks have even complained that it makes them really feel sick in darkish mode. Sadly, you’ll be able to’t flip off Liquid Glass, however Apple has launched just a few OS updates to tone down the transparency, most just lately in iOS 26.4. Listed below are your choices.
Scale back Transparency on Liquid Glass
If you wish to tone down the impact on an iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Accessibility > Show & Textual content Dimension and allow Scale back Transparency. Now, whenever you look again on the folders and menus in your Residence display, you need to see that the translucent look has been changed by a extra opaque one.
(Credit score: PCMag / Apple)
To do that on a Mac, go to System Settings > Accessibility > Show and activate the swap subsequent to Scale back Transparency. You may discover that the icons, folders, menu bar, dock, and widgets at the moment are much less clear than earlier than.
(Credit score: Lance Whitney / Apple)
To regulate Liquid Glass on an Apple Watch, open the Watch app in your iPhone and go to My Watch > Accessibility> Scale back Transparency. To do that instantly on the watch, attempt Settings > Accessibility and activate Scale back Transparency. Wanting on the watch display earlier than and after the change makes the variations stand out. The Notification panels and Management Heart are good examples, since you’ll be able to clearly see the distinction with transparency decreased.
(Credit score: Lance Whitney / Apple)
Allow Darkish Mode
Past decreasing transparency, I’ve discovered that Liquid Glass seems higher in darkish mode as a substitute of sunshine mode as a result of it hides a lot of the brand new design. To do that on an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Show & Brightness and set the looks to Darkish. You are able to do the identical on a Mac by going to System Settings > Look > Darkish.
(Credit score: PCMag / Apple)
Customise the Look of Liquid Glass
(Credit score: PCMag / Apple)
Apple first launched higher management over the feel and appear of the Liquid Glass design with iOS 26.1. Head to Settings > Show & Brightness > Liquid Glass, then select between Clear (extra clear) and Tinted (extra opaque). The latter choice is really helpful if you would like extra distinction. It’s also possible to pair this with Darkish Mode for higher readability.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Scale back Vivid Results
As of iOS 26.4, you now have the power to tone down a few of the lighting results that include the Liquid Glass redesign. Head to Settings > Accessibility > Show & Textual content Dimension, then allow Scale back Brightness to make the change. It is a refined distinction, however one that may assist make the theme extra tolerable. It is also value noting that Apple has enhanced its Scale back Movement choice to include Liquid Glass results. Simply go to Settings > Accessibility > Movement and allow Scale back Movement.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Customise the Residence Display
Because of the Residence display customization choices launched with iOS 18, you too can make modifications to the colour and lighting of icons and widgets which will enhance readability. To do that, press down on any open space of the Residence display, faucet the Edit button on the high, after which choose Customise. Now, you could have a number of choices for adjusting the display’s look.
(Credit score: PCMag / Apple)
Faucet the small solar icon on the left aspect of the underside pane to modify the display and widgets between mild and darkish modes. Faucet the sq. icon on the precise of the web page to extend the dimensions of the icons and folders. The one downside with the bigger measurement is that the names disappear.
Really helpful by Our Editors
(Credit score: PCMag / Apple)
Wanting on the backside of the pane, faucet the Darkish icon to color the Residence display with a darker tone. It’s also possible to swap the choice from At all times to Auto, through which case the icons and widgets tackle a darkish look at evening and a lightweight look through the day.
(Credit score: PCMag / Apple)
Faucet the Clear icon to present Residence display icons and widgets a transparent look just like Liquid Glass, however with out colour. Right here, you too can swap from Gentle to Darkish to present the display a darker look, or to Auto to make it darkish at evening and light-weight through the day.
(Credit score: PCMag / Apple)
Faucet the Tinted icon to open a number of sliders that allow you to tweak the display’s look. By transferring the primary slider left or proper, you’ll be able to change the tint colour. By transferring the second slider, you’ll be able to modify the lightness of the tint. Underneath the sliders, you’ll be able to choose particular colours (together with these out of your wallpaper).
(Credit score: PCMag / Apple)
Jason Cohen contributed to this story.
About Our Skilled
Lance Whitney
Contributor
Expertise
I have been working for PCMag since early 2016 writing tutorials, how-to items, and different articles on client know-how. Past PCMag, I’ve written information tales and tutorials for a wide range of different web sites and publications, together with CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic, Macworld, PC World, Time, US Information & World Report, and AARP Journal. I spent seven years writing breaking information for CNET as one of many web site’s East Coast reporters. I’ve additionally written two books for Wiley & Sons—Home windows 8: 5 Minutes at a Time and Educate Your self Visually LinkedIn.
I’ve used Home windows, Workplace, and different Microsoft merchandise for years so I am properly versed in that world. I additionally know the Mac fairly properly. I am at all times working with iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and Android on my numerous cell gadgets. And as of late, I write quite a bit about AI, in order that’s develop into one other key space for me.
My spouse at all times jokes about all of the tech merchandise we’ve round the home, however I handle to place them to good use for my articles. I like Lenovo computer systems, so I personal a few Lenovo desktops and a number of other laptops. I’ve three MacBooks and a Mac mini. For my cell life and work, I exploit an iPhone 16 Professional, iPad Professional, and iPad mini in addition to an Apple Watch. However since I write about Android, I personal a number of Android telephones and tablets. Like every tech particular person, I’ve a cupboard stuffed with cables, wires, and diverse mysterious devices. And when it is time to take a break from writing, I’ve an outdated Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii, each of which I exploit for train and health video games.
Learn Full Bio
