Tame iOS 26 Liquid Glass Design for Better Readability

Apple Launches iOS 26 Public Beta with Liquid Glass Design

On July 24, Apple rolled out the first public beta of iOS 26, bringing its new Liquid Glass design to iPhones for developers and eager testers. Alongside the refreshed visual style, users can explore a dedicated Games app that curates titles for on-the-go play. The beta heralds a glimpse into the next-level interface that Apple aims to ship this fall.

Liquid Glass Design Sparks Readability Concerns

The Liquid Glass effect introduces a translucent, depth-driven UI where background imagery subtly bleeds through menus and overlays. While some users applaud the aesthetic shift, others – including veteran testers – have voiced concerns over legibility, especially when text contrasts against dynamic wallpapers. In response, Apple has already fine-tuned the beta with a frostier opacity, but not everyone finds the update sufficient.

Adjusting Liquid Glass for Better Legibility

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap Accessibility.
3. Select Display & Text Size.
4. Enable Reduce Transparency to darken menus and overlays.

In the same Display & Text Size settings, toggling Increase Contrast adds subtle outlines around UI elements, helping them stand out further. This adjustment works hand-in-hand with reduced transparency, crafting a sharper, more defined experience that preserves the spirit of Liquid Glass without sacrificing readability.

Beta Reminder and What’s Next

Keep in mind that iOS 26 is still beta software, which means you may encounter bugs, performance quirks, or battery-life impacts. If you plan to experiment with Liquid Glass and other new features, install the beta on a secondary device rather than your daily driver. Lastly, remember that Apple could rework transparency levels or introduce additional tweaks ahead of the public release this fall.

Broader Implications for Developers and Enterprises

For developers and enterprise teams looking to navigate interface updates like Liquid Glass, comprehensive testing and user feedback are crucial. QuarkyByte’s insights-driven approach helps organizations simulate real-world conditions, identify accessibility gaps, and implement UI refinements. By partnering with our UX analysts, your mobile apps can achieve a balance of innovation and clarity that resonates across diverse user profiles.