The arrival of iOS 26.1 brings a relevant change in the new aesthetics of the system: it is now possible reduce the transparency of Liquid Glass without having to touch general accessibility options. The measure seeks to improve readability and contrast in an interface that, since its release, has generated mixed opinions.
Apple introduces a direct control with two appearance profiles for this visual language. Instead of a slider, the system offers two closed modes that adjust opacity globally and affect menus, notifications, bars, and other panels that use Liquid Glass throughout the system.
What changes with the new transparency setting
The selector allows you to choose between “Clear” (more transparent) y “Tinted” (more opaque and with greater contrast)There are no intermediate steps: each option applies a consistent opacity profile that is immediately reflected in the interface.
When you turn on the tinted mode, elements such as Notifications, menu sheets, tabs and panels They gain visual substance to stand out against complex backgrounds, both in light and dark themes. This decision seeks to balance design and usability in high-light situations or with very colorful wallpapers.
The system respects preference at the global level, so that Apple and third-party apps who already use Liquid Glass They automatically adopt the style chosen by the user. This maintains a consistent experience without forcing each developer to create their own settings.
Where is it and who can prove it?
The control appears in Settings > Display & brightness > Liquid Glass on iPhone and iPad. On Mac it's located at System Settings > Appearance > Liquid Glass, with a similar but somewhat more subtle effect on macOS.
For now, the option is available in iOS beta 26.1 4 for developers and public beta users. Those who are not part of the beta program will have to wait for the stable version, which Apple plans to distribute in the coming weeks.
Once the iOS 26.1 update, no need to restart or close apps: changing “Clear” to “Tinted” (or vice versa) is instantly applied across the entire interface, making it easy to try both styles and stick with the one you feel most comfortable with.
Why Apple added it
Since the introduction of Liquid Glass in iOS 26, some users have reported reading difficulties with very vivid backgrounds or outdoors. Apple had already experimented with opacity adjustments during the beta cycle, but one thing was missing user option that would not force us to “touch” the entire system via Accessibility.
Until now, the alternative was to “Reduce transparency” in Accessibility, a global setting that affected more elements of the desired ones. The new switch focuses exclusively on Liquid Glass and adds more fine control without giving up the visual language introduced this generation.
The two-profile approach also avoids interface fragmentation: by standardizing “Clear” and “Tinted,” Apple maintains consistency and at the same time opens the door to those who prefer higher contrast, especially in tasks that require fast reading.
Impact on the experience and what to expect
With “Tinted”, the interface wins separation between layers and reduces visual noise in overlay panels, which is noticeable in lists, settings panels, and notifications. Those comfortable with the original aesthetic can stick with "Clear," which preserves the sense of depth and transparency.
There is no granular slider or custom profiles at the moment, but the implementation aims to wide compatibility with apps that adopt the new design. It is expected that Apple will continue fine-tuning the balance between aesthetics and readability as the iOS 26.1 cycle progresses.
Since this is a system change, it does not require applications to be updated one by one: the style is inherited from the system and is applied evenly, avoiding visual inconsistencies between screens.
For those looking for a more legible iOS without giving up the new visual line, this switch is a sensible middle ground: preserves the identity of Liquid Glass while reducing transparency when the context requires it.
The novelty puts the debate where it should be: in the user's choiceWith a clear, easy-to-find, and instantly reversible fit, the interface is no longer "all or nothing" and allows you to choose the finish that best suits each usage type and environment.
