The release of iOS 26 introduced a new visual feature called the Liquid Glass effect, which changes the appearance of text and images on Apple devices by adding a shiny, blurred, and slightly transparent look. While captivating for some users, for others, this glossy transformation has made usability somewhat challenging, especially when it comes to reading text or navigating apps. If you’re among those who find this aesthetically pleasing innovation more of a distraction than an enhancement, you may be looking for ways to disable or reduce this transparency. Fortunately, making adjustments can help clarify the display settings and improve the overall user experience. This article delves into effective methods for toning down the Liquid Glass effect on iPhones and iPads running iOS 26.
Reducing Transparency through Accessibility
To address the challenges posed by the Liquid Glass effect, users can leverage the Accessibility settings on their devices to reduce screen transparency. This option doesn’t disable the effect entirely but significantly diminishes the holographic vibe, making on-screen elements easier to read. Accessing these settings involves navigating through the system menus. Begin by opening the Settings app, scrolling to locate Accessibility, and tapping on Display & Text Size. Within this section, users can find the “Reduce Transparency” toggle, which, when activated, curtails the pervasive glossy effect.
Disabling transparency in this manner serves a dual purpose: it enhances readability and aligns the interface more closely with traditional design paradigms. The measure primarily targets issues with discerning and interacting with UI components that become indistinct due to excessive transparency. Even though the transition isn’t entirely reverted to pre-iOS 26 aesthetics, it mitigates the challenges posed by this design tweak, making everyday tasks more manageable.
Customizing App Icons and Widgets
A further step towards minimizing the Liquid Glass look involves customization of app icons and widgets, an often-underutilized option. With the new iOS update, users can modify themes and the appearance of app icons, moving away from the built-in transparency that some find undesirable. By opting for Dark or Default icon themes, the visibility of icons becomes less clouded, thus fostering an experience more akin to earlier iOS versions.
To initiate this customization, begin by pressing and holding any open area on the home screen, which will enable the customization mode. Selecting “Edit” followed by “Customize” grants the choice between various icon styles. Opting for either the Default or Dark mode refines visual clarity and transitions the display to a more familiar look. Particularly, Dark mode tends to offer the best results for those sensitive to light or glossy effects due to its increased contrast and reduction of glossy reflections.
Modifying Additional Display Settings
Further adjustments can help complete the alteration of the Liquid Glass visual experience. This involves additional tweaks such as hiding the transparency in the clock style and by enabling Dark Mode across the device. Users have reported that under the Light mode setting, the transparency is magnified, making Dark Mode a preferred choice for downplaying the effect.
To alter the style of the clock on the lock screen, simply press and hold the screen to enter customization mode. By tapping on the clock, users can switch its style from Glass to a Solid appearance, which complements the overall move away from transparency. Enabling Dark Mode can be achieved by going to Settings, then Display & Brightness, and selecting the Dark option under Appearance—thereby, integrating a subtle yet effective way to alleviate unwanted effects across the system interface.
Conclusion
With the launch of iOS 26, Apple debuted a new visual feature known as the Liquid Glass effect, offering a shiny, blurred, and slightly transparent aesthetic to text and images across its devices. While some users appreciate the visual enhancement, others find it complicates usability, making it harder to read text or navigate through apps. If you count yourself among those who find this glossy effect distracting rather than appealing, you might be searching for ways to lessen or completely turn off this transparency. Thankfully, there are adjustments you can make to refine the display settings, aiming for a clearer and more user-friendly experience. This discussion explores various effective strategies to minimize the Liquid Glass effect on iPhones and iPads equipped with iOS 26. By altering specific settings, you can strike a balance that maintains the visual appeal of your device while enhancing readability and ease of use, ensuring that your interaction remains both pleasant and practical.
