Apple has begun dialing back the striking transparency of its new Liquid Glass interface in the third developer beta of iOS 26. The changes come after early testers expressed concerns about readability and usability.
Originally unveiled at WWDC as part of Apple’s futuristic design vision, Liquid Glass aimed to deliver depth and elegance through layered transparency. However, the aesthetic—particularly in areas like the Control Center—was quickly met with criticism. Users noted that the overly translucent elements made icons and controls difficult to read.
In response, Apple has adjusted the design in beta 3. Navigation bars, buttons, and tab components now appear more frosted and less see-through, improving legibility across the board. The update appears to prioritize function over form, especially in apps where excessive transparency interferes with the user experience.
Reactions to the change have been mixed. Some developers welcome the increased clarity, while others see it as a retreat from Apple’s original, bold direction. “iOS 26 beta 3 completely nerfs Liquid Glass,” said Sam Kohl of AppleTrack on X. “It looks so much cheaper now.”
Notably, transparency levels now subtly vary between apps, hinting that Apple is experimenting with context-aware refinements rather than applying a one-size-fits-all fix.
With the public release of iOS 26 expected in September 2025, Apple still has time to refine Liquid Glass. The company now faces the challenge of balancing its visual innovation with the clarity users demand.
