How to Disable iOS 26’s Liquid Glass Look Without Losing Style
If you’re not loving iOS 26’s new Liquid Glass design, you’re not alone. Many users are wondering how to reduce transparency in iOS 26 or how to make the interface more readable. Apple’s push toward sleeker, more transparent visuals looks beautiful—but it can sometimes come at the cost of usability. The good news? You can easily tone down the effect without giving up the modern iOS 26 look entirely. In this post, we’ll show you how to adjust Liquid Glass in iOS 26, improve readability, and make your iPhone experience more comfortable—especially if you prefer a cleaner, more accessible interface.
Reduce Transparency in iOS 26 for a Clearer Interface
Apple introduced Liquid Glass in iOS 26 to give the interface a fluid, layered feel—but that doesn’t work for everyone. If you find the increased transparency distracting or hard on your eyes, you can enable Reduce Transparency, a built-in Accessibility setting that slightly darkens the backgrounds and makes UI elements easier to distinguish. This tweak subtly changes Control Center, folders, app switchers, and system menus without removing the modern design entirely.
To enable it:
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size, then toggle on Reduce Transparency. You'll instantly notice that menus and backgrounds have more contrast, improving readability without stripping away the new visual style. It's a smart balance between design and function—especially useful if you struggle with visual clarity.
Why iOS 26’s Liquid Glass Isn’t for Everyone
While Apple promotes Liquid Glass as a visual breakthrough, it’s not universally loved. Users with light sensitivity or those who rely on sharp contrast may find the transparency overwhelming or distracting. Because it lets content bleed through layers, some buttons, text, and menus might become harder to focus on—particularly in sunlight or low-contrast settings.
Apple has long prioritized Accessibility, and with iOS 26, it's no different. The Reduce Transparency feature in iOS 26 ensures that even with a flashy new design, usability doesn’t take a backseat. It’s perfect for developers testing the beta, older users needing better contrast, or anyone simply preferring a cleaner iPhone look.
Customize iOS 26 With Accessibility Shortcuts
Want to switch between transparency and high contrast quickly? You can add Reduce Transparency to your Accessibility Shortcut, which allows you to toggle the setting from the Control Center or via a triple-click of the side button. This flexibility makes it easier to adapt your interface depending on your environment—like turning transparency on when viewing photos, then off for reading or texting.
To set it up:
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Shortcut, then select Reduce Transparency. From there, you’ll have faster access whenever the new iOS 26 UI isn’t working for you. This small change can make a big difference in how comfortable your iPhone feels to use every day.
More iOS 26 Updates Are Coming
Keep in mind that iOS 26 is still in beta, and Apple is listening to feedback. The Liquid Glass design may be refined before the final release. If you're struggling with the current look, adjusting your settings is a temporary—but effective—solution. Apple has a long track record of refining design based on user input, so changes are likely.
Until then, Reduce Transparency in iOS 26 is the best way to improve your experience without rolling back all the fresh design elements. Whether you're a developer, a longtime iOS fan, or just someone who prefers clarity over flair, this simple tip ensures your iPhone works for you.
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