If you prefer a less translucent interface, these settings can improve readability and reduce the visual intensity of the Liquid Glass design.
Apple’s Liquid Glass design language introduces translucent visual elements throughout the operating system. While the redesign creates a modern aesthetic, it can sometimes obscure menu items or reduce contrast. This guide covers customization options available in recent Apple software releases based on publicly available documentation and walkthroughs of the latest public beta releases
At a Glance
Best for: Users who find Liquid Glass transparency distracting or difficult to read.
Time required: 2–3 minutes.
Difficulty: Easy.
Works on: Supported Apple devices (feature availability varies).
Before You Begin
Some settings described below are available only on specific software versions. If you do not see an option, ensure your device is running a compatible version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS.
Compatibility
| Device | Availability |
| iPhone/iPad | Varies by software version |
| Mac | Partial |
| Apple Watch | Accessibility features only |
1. Fine-Tune Transparency
For users on the latest public beta, Apple has introduced a fine-tuning slider for the Liquid Glass effect
How to enable: Navigate to Settings > Appearance > Liquid Glass (If available on your software version)
. What it does: Adjusts the transparency level of icons and menus
. Expected Result: Increased clarity toward the left; increased tint toward the right
.
2. Global "Reduce Transparency" Setting
This accessibility feature replaces translucent elements with a solid background
How to enable: Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Reduce Transparency (iPhone/iPad); System Settings > Accessibility > Display > Reduce Transparency (Mac)
. What it does: Replaces translucency with opaque backgrounds for better contrast
. Expected Result: Solid UI elements that are easier to identify
.
3. Enable Dark Mode
Dark Mode hides much of the translucent design language, offering a muted experience
How to enable: Settings > Display & Brightness > Dark (iPhone/iPad) or System Settings > Appearance > Dark (Mac)
. Expected Result: Reduced visual intensity of Liquid Glass elements
.
4. Tone Down Visual Effects
If motion feels intense, these settings may improve your experience.
How to enable: Settings > Accessibility > Motion > Reduce Motion
. Expected Result: A more static and less distracting navigation experience
.
Accessibility Tip: If Liquid Glass makes text difficult to read, Apple's Accessibility settings—particularly Reduce Transparency and Reduce Motion—can improve contrast without significantly changing the overall interface.
5. Home Screen Customization
For modern iOS releases, you can adjust the color and lighting of icons and widgets
How to enable: Long-press an empty Home screen area > tap Edit > select Customize
. Note: This setting changes icon appearance but does not disable the Liquid Glass interface itself
.
What These Settings Don't Do
These settings reduce or customize the Liquid Glass appearance, but they do not completely remove Apple's interface design.
Troubleshooting
If you can't find a setting:
Your device may not support the feature.
Your software version may be older.
Beta-only features won't appear on stable releases.
Conclusion
If readability is your priority, Apple's Accessibility settings provide the most noticeable improvements, while the new Liquid Glass controls offer additional flexibility on supported software versions. As Apple continues refining the interface during the beta cycle, additional customization options may become available before final release.
Sources
Apple Support
Apple Beta Release Notes
PCMag Walkthroughs
Update History
July 17, 2026: Initial publication.
.png)
0 Comments