Skip to main content Tom's Guide Tom's Guide Search Tom's Guide View Profile Newsletters Best Picks Entertainment Apple WWDC 2025 Switch 2 Restock Best laptops Best Mattress Wordle Today Recommended reading iOS 26 is here — how to download the developer beta iOS 19's redesign had me worried — but now I think it will turn out fine Apple's 'Liquid Glass' design could be a key part of the 20th anniversary iPhone — and it's rumored to debut at WWDC 2025 WWDC 2025 Live: iOS 26, Liquid Glass and all the biggest Apple event announcements iOS 19's big redesign is tipped to bring a whole new look and unite all of Apple's devices — and pave the way for a foldable iPhone iOS 19 redesign mockups emerge — but not everyone is convinced WWDC 2025 — 7 biggest announcements that will actually make your life easier iOS 26's Liquid Glass design can be confusing to look at — but there’s a way to change that Josh Render 12 June 2025 Readability can be a concern for the OS's default look When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Apple) Developers are getting their first taste of iOS 26 and its Liquid Glass design, and the initial impressions appear to be mixed. Fortunately, it appears that Apple has included a means to minimize the glassy look for those who aren’t a fan. Apple launched the first developer beta for iOS 26, which has given many their first look at the new Liquid Glass design in the real world. This includes Android Authority's Druv Bhutan, who shows off how Liquid Glass’ new translucent look for on-screen elements and expandable menus look in practice. However, it should be noted that this is only the first beta, so there could be a number of alterations made and issues fixed before we see the final version of the software, slated to arrive this fall. (Image credit: Android Authority) According to the report, this new look is best shown off on the home screen, with app icons that appear like digital glass. Meanwhile, when it comes to the Control Center and Lock Screen, Apple has made the flat backgrounds translucent layers, which helps to make them feel like they’re “floating rather than just sitting on top of your wallpaper.” You may like iOS 26 is here — how to download the developer beta iOS 19's redesign had me worried — but now I think it will turn out fine Apple's 'Liquid Glass' design could be a key part of the 20th anniversary iPhone — and it's rumored to debut at WWDC 2025 However, there are some issues caused by this new transparent look. According to the report, both the Control Center and the browser pop-ups can be difficult to read depending on the chosen background. This issue may be solved in future versions of the beta, but there is a possible solution in the Settings menu already. There is an option for those who want less transparency (Image credit: MacRumors) Apple has included a specific option to limit the transparency of the icons, according to a recent report from MacRumors. iOS 26 includes several accessibility options to help customize the look of the phone for different visual needs. But this one is particularly useful to know about if you're not getting on well with the transparency of the new interface. All users will need to do is find the Accessibility section in the Settings App, then navigate to the Display and Text Size option. There, they will find a toggle titled Reduce Transparency, which will add a darker background to areas like the Control Center, app icons and more. Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. The screenshots make it clear that activating this option will not remove all the translucency, but just limit its effect. It also won’t change the overall look of the app icons or revert the design back to iOS 18’s look. As it stands, iOS 26 is looking to be a pretty major visual change and it will take some getting used to. However, it’s good to know that there are options for those who aren’t a fan of the see-through design. More from Tom's Guide Are rugged phones worth it? I tried one for a month to find out — here’s what happened iPhone 17 could get a display upgrade — but still be inferior to the iPhone 17 Pro Live Updates just arrived on Android 16 — but it's not quite finished yet $1,199 at Visible $1,199.99 at Verizon $1,379 at Mint Mobile See more Phones News Josh Render Social Links Navigation Staff Writer Josh is a staff writer for Tom's Guide and is based in the UK. He has worked for several publications but now works primarily on mobile phones. Outside of phones, he has a passion for video games, novels, and Warhammer. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. iOS 26 is here — how to download the developer beta iOS 19's redesign had me worried — but now I think it will turn out fine Apple's 'Liquid Glass' design could be a key part of the 20th anniversary iPhone — and it's rumored to debut at WWDC 2025 WWDC 2025 Live: iOS 26, Liquid Glass and all the biggest Apple event announcements iOS 19's big redesign is tipped to bring a whole new look and unite all of Apple's devices — and pave the way for a foldable iPhone iOS 19 redesign mockups emerge — but not everyone is convinced Latest in iPhones iOS 26's Liquid Glass looks amazing, except for this one glaring issue iPhone 17 could get a display upgrade — but still be inferior to the iPhone 17 Pro 7 iOS 26 features I can't wait to try on my iPhone I’m stoked about iOS 26 Call Screening, but it proves Apple Intelligence is still playing catch up — here’s why iOS 26 is here — how to download the developer beta WWDC 2025 — 7 biggest announcements that will actually make your life easier Latest in News Garmin takes on Apple Watch Ultra — here’s the first look at the Garmin Venu X1 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 teaser suggests a big AI camera upgrade is on the way Rumored PlayStation handheld may share a key PS5 Pro feature — here's what we know KitchenAid’s latest induction cooktop just landed — and it offers the greatest temperature precision yet Netflix just dropped a trailer for its new star-studded romantic comedy series — and it looks like a hilarious watch How to watch 'Love Island USA' on CTV (it's free) LATEST ARTICLES Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 teaser suggests a big AI camera upgrade is on the way NordVPN is handing out free Amazon gift cards – here's how to get one Rumored PlayStation handheld may share a key PS5 Pro feature — here's what we know Image Playground on your iPhone is getting a major boost — thanks to ChatGPT Epic Crocs sale from $18 at Amazon — 15 deals I'd add to my cart for the summer Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. 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