Apple softens controversial liquid glass effect in ios 26.4 beta
Apple is finally responding
to user complaints about its divisive Liquid Glass design. The tech giant has introduced a new toggle in iOS 26.4 beta 4 allowing users to further reduce the distracting visual effects that debuted with iOS 26.1.
Accessibility settings get a new option
The Liquid Glass feature, applied across multiple Apple platforms – iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, and tvOS – was met with a wave of criticism upon its introduction. Many users found the dynamic transparency distracting and, in some cases, detrimental to accessibility.
The latest beta update addresses this directly by adding a “Reduce Bright Effects” toggle within the Accessibility settings. This new option disables various flashing animations, most notably those triggered when selecting text input fields. The effect, which caused text to momentarily disappear, proved particularly irritating for many.
This move follows Apple's initial response to feedback after the release of iOS 26.1. The company had previously offered a toggle to tone down the overall transparency of the visual elements. However, the new “Reduce Bright Effects” option provides a more granular control, allowing users to eliminate specific distracting animations.
The controversy surrounding Liquid Glass wasn't unique to Apple. Android manufacturers like Realme and Vivo also experimented with similar transparent design elements. Realme’s Light Glass Design and Vivo’s OriginOS 6, while different in execution, shared a similar aesthetic philosophy.
While the initial rollout of Liquid Glass caused considerable friction, Apple's decision to offer more customization options is a welcome development. It’s a pragmatic adjustment to a design choice that alienated a significant portion of its user base. The company is acknowledging that design isn't a one-size-fits-all solution.
The update is available to beta testers now, signaling a shift in Apple’s approach to user interface design. It remains to be seen if this adjustment will fully appease critics, but it represents a clear recognition of user needs.