Apple is finally giving users control over its controversial Liquid Glass design, and it’s about time. Love it or hate it, the sleek, transparent UI has divided iPhone users since its debut, leaving many frustrated with visibility and performance issues. But here’s where it gets interesting: in the latest iOS 26.1 Developer Beta 4, Apple has quietly introduced a toggle that lets you tone down or completely turn off the Liquid Glass effect. Is this a step forward or a sign of Apple’s indecision?
For those on the developer beta track, updating to iOS 26.1 Beta 4 unlocks this new feature. Once installed, head to Settings > Display & Brightness, where you’ll find the Liquid Glass option. Here’s the kicker: it offers two distinct modes—Tinted and Clear. The Tinted mode dials back the transparency, reintroducing the frosted glass look reminiscent of iOS 18 and earlier betas. It boosts opacity in menus, notifications, lock screen elements, and other UI components, though notably excludes the Control Center, app icons, and the home screen’s app library. It also tones down the rainbow shimmer effect when interacting with options or toggles. But is this enough to satisfy critics?
On the flip side, the Clear mode retains the full glass-like transparency across iOS, doubling down on the original Liquid Glass vision. And this is the part most people miss: this isn’t Apple’s first backtrack on Liquid Glass. They previously rolled back changes in iOS 26 Developer Beta 2, sparking debates about the design’s future. Are they testing the waters or struggling to commit?
By offering this toggle, Apple seems to be hedging its bets, providing a middle ground for users. Those who’ve updated to iOS 26 are sharply divided—some praise the clean, modern aesthetic, while others slam it for usability issues. If you’re in the latter camp, iOS 26.1’s toggle will be a welcome relief. But here’s the real question: Is Apple’s Liquid Glass a bold innovation or a misstep in design? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
