Apple has rolled out a new feature that lets you easily customize Liquid Glass to your liking. In the future, users will be able to set the appearance of liquid glass to be transparent or tinted using a new setting included in the latest beta updates for mobile and desktop operating systems.
This addition shows that Apple is listening carefully to user feedback during the early stages of general availability of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26. Apple prefers to push for more significant changes, but often provides alternative options for those who have difficulty adjusting.
The same thing happened when Apple moved Safari addresses to the bottom of the screen in 2021. Following user backlash over this then-controversial decision, the iPhone maker added an option to move the bar back to the top of the screen. (I agree that Apple made the right decision. The bar should be in a position where your thumb can easily reach it.)
Now, Apple is taking a similar approach to liquid glass.
The new user interface that ships with iOS 26 and other Apple operating systems was the company’s biggest design overhaul since it moved from a skeuomorphic design to a flat design in 2013. As with most changes of this magnitude and importance, not everyone is on board.
Some people say the liquid glass design makes various parts of the interface difficult to read, including notifications and navigation controls for apps like Apple Music. Some say they like the attention to detail in Liquid Glass and the new look, which feels like a more modern update to an interface that has been outdated for years.
With another potentially divisive response on the line, Apple is now ceding some control over the appearance of liquid glass to users.
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This new feature was first spotted by 9to5Mac and introduced in iOS 26.1 Beta 4 and accompanying updates for tablets and desktop computers.
Reached for comment, Apple told TechCrunch that during the beta period this summer, it heard from some users who wanted the option to set liquid glass to a more opaque appearance. This new setting that allows users to customize liquid glass is available in iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS 26.1.
To access this feature, beta users can go to the (Display & Brightness) menu in (Settings) and find the added Liquid Glass menu option. On Mac, it’s in Appearance in System Preferences. This control allows you to choose between two options: Clear and Tinted. The latter increases the opacity of interface elements, making them easier to see.
While some users favored a slider that would give more precise control over opacity, Apple opted for a toggle that specifies two tint levels that users can choose from. This makes it easier for third-party developers to test how their apps look in different settings.
Apple told TechCrunch that users’ settings will be automatically applied to developers who have already implemented liquid glass in their apps. Developers can now test this in the 26.1 developer beta.
Once you select your preferred option, you’ll see changes across user interface elements, including playback controls, lock screen notifications, and apps from Apple apps and third-party developers.
Beta features are available to developers today, while a public beta will be available in the coming days ahead of a broader general release.
