Apple has been diligently refining its Liquid Glass aesthetic during the beta testing phase of iOS 26. With the release of both beta two and beta three, users have witnessed significant changes. While the updates in the second beta received minimal backlash, the design adjustments in the third beta have stirred frustration among users who feel that Apple is stripping away too much of the beloved Liquid Glass look.
To provide context, the latest updates have made navigation bars across numerous apps noticeably more opaque. For instance, in iOS 26 beta 3, Apple Music's bottom navigation bar now features a frosted glass effect that is especially evident against colorful backgrounds. In beta 2, the navigation bar's translucency allowed for more background color visibility, a quality that has been markedly reduced in beta 3.
In Apple Music, the bottom navigation bar's transition to a more opaque design diminishes the translucency that was prevalent in beta 2. This change is particularly striking when scrolling over vibrant background colors, as the frosted glass effect dominates the visual experience.
SafariThe Safari browser has also undergone a transformation. The opacity of the URL bar has increased, resulting in less background color visibility. Depending on the background color of the website and the Tab View design in use, users may notice varying degrees of translucency. The Compact View, which was previously quite translucent, showcases the most notable changes with a heavier opacity.
App StoreThe navigation bar in the App Store has become almost entirely opaque. This significant change has made a noticeable impact on user experience, especially in light mode.
PodcastsSimilar to Apple Music, the Podcasts app has nearly eliminated translucency in its navigation bar. This is especially apparent when using colorful backgrounds, enhancing the overall visual clarity.
Apple TVIn the Apple TV app, the changes are subtler due to its darker background. The navigation bar has shifted to a darker glass color, but transparency levels remain relatively unchanged.
PhotosFor the Photos app, the navigation bar has also been darkened, though transparency levels have not significantly altered.
CalendarThe navigation buttons in the Calendar app have seen an increase in opacity, applicable in both Light and Dark Modes.
Dark Mode vs. Light ModeInterestingly, Dark Mode has retained more translucency compared to Light Mode. Users with Dark Mode enabled may notice less of a difference, as the increased readability of white text on dark backgrounds has led Apple to adjust opaqueness less aggressively.
The visual differences between beta 2 and beta 3 can vary significantly based on the background color. With white backgrounds, the shift to a more frosted appearance may be less discernible, while changes are more apparent with lighter colors. Conversely, with darker content, navigation bars tend to transition to their Dark Mode design, which appears more translucent.
On the Lock Screen, the time display is slightly more opaque than in previous versions. Notifications may also exhibit a darker background with certain colors, although this isn't universally noticeable. The Home Screen and Control Center have remained largely unchanged, while the search bar in the App Library now lacks blurred edges when scrolling, enhancing visibility.
Many of Apple's built-in apps have also seen modifications to their buttons and navigation bars. Here are some notable examples:
Weather: Darker buttons with no translucency.Camera: No noticeable changes.FaceTime: No noticeable changes.Messages: Reduced translucency in the search and compose bars.Maps: Increased translucency in turn-by-turn directions.Mail: Buttons exhibit less translucency.Notes: Almost no translucency remains in buttons and navigation bars.Reminders: Reduced translucency in the toolbar.Clock: No changes.Health: Slightly less transparent navigation and search bars.Wallet: Buttons now show less transparency.Settings: Increased opacity in the search bar.Home: Overall less opacity in navigation bars.Books: Decreased translucency in navigation menus and search.Fitness: Minor changes due to the darker background.Contacts: Reduced translucency for search.Files: Less translucency in navigation bars and search.Calculator: More opaque history interface.What do you think about the changes introduced in iOS 26 beta 3? Are you hoping for the return of the Liquid Glass design, or do you prefer the enhanced opacity? Share your opinions in the comments below.
