Apple's latest operating system, iOS 26, introduces an exciting new design material known as Liquid Glass. This innovative design places a strong emphasis on transparency, allowing the content displayed on your device to shine through the controls. However, for users who might find this aesthetic challenging or less readable, Apple provides an easy solution to enhance visibility without completely sacrificing the new design.
One of the standout features of iOS 26 is its robust Accessibility options, tailored to meet various visual needs. Among these features is the Reduce Transparency option, which can significantly improve the readability of your device. By toggling on this setting, users will notice a darker background in translucent areas, such as the Control Center, app icons, and app folders. This adjustment enhances contrast, making it easier to interact with the interface.
To enable the Reduce Transparency feature, simply follow these steps:
Open the Settings app. Navigate to Accessibility. Select Display and Text Size. Tap on the Reduce Transparency toggle to activate it.If you prefer quick access to this setting, consider adding it to your Accessibility Shortcuts. This allows you to toggle the feature directly from the Control Center, offering convenience at your fingertips.
It's important to note that while activating Reduce Transparency does not eliminate all translucency from the iPhone's interface, it does provide a more opaque appearance. This adjustment maintains the fundamental design elements without reverting to a pre-iOS 26 interface. Users can expect a familiar experience as Apple has not made drastic changes to app interfaces and layouts.
As the beta testing phase progresses, Apple is committed to refining the Liquid Glass design based on user feedback. Adapting to a completely new interface can be challenging, especially for developers running the beta version. If you're experiencing difficulty reading text, temporarily enabling the Reduce Transparency feature may help ease your transition until you become accustomed to the new look.
Most users are likely to adjust to the updated Liquid Glass design within a few days. However, it's worth noting that the look of iOS 26 may evolve before its public release. Currently, the operating system is available exclusively to developers, with a public beta set to launch in July. The official launch is anticipated for September, promising an exciting new experience for all Apple users.