iOS 26: How to turn off Liquid Glass

Short answer: you can't. Long answer: You can change some settings, but you can't fully turn it off.

Apple's iOS 26 update is a big one — not just because it's new, but because "Liquid Glass" marks the company's biggest UI overhaul since the iPhone X.

But the so-called "biggest iOS update in years" hasn't exactly wowed people. Performance hiccups and a jarring reshuffle of the interface have left many users underwhelmed. Even here at iPulse, reactions are split: some enjoy the new look, while others find it pretty "meh."

If you've upgraded and hate how it looks, here's the bad news: you can't roll back to iOS 18. That makes sense, sure — but what if you like iOS 26 overall and just can't stand Liquid Glass? Also bad news: you can't turn it off.

What you can do, though, is dive into your iPhone's accessibility settings to tone down the transparent, glossy effect and make it less in-your-face.

How to change Liquid Glass in iOS 26

To cut down the transparency, head to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and toggle on Reduce Transparency. This makes elements like folders easier to see when you open them.

You can also tweak the look of your home screen. Just press and hold an empty space until the icons start to jiggle, then tap Edit in the top left corner. From there, select Customize and switch the screen to tinted. You'll be able to adjust the colors of icons and folders to better match your style. Simple as that.

What is Liquid Glass?

Liquid Glass represents Apple's most significant design overhaul since iOS 7, featuring a translucent material that behaves like real glass. This new design system allows light and color to filter through buttons, menus, and other interface elements throughout the iOS experience.

Key features of Liquid Glass include:

• Dynamic transparency that adapts to content and context
• Real-time rendering that reacts to device movement with reflective highlights
• Layered app icons with subtle 3D depth effects
• Context-aware adaptation between light and dark environments
• Fluid interface elements that shrink and expand based on user interaction

Why can't you disable Liquid Glass completely?

Apple has integrated Liquid Glass so deeply into iOS 26 that it's become a fundamental part of the operating system. The design affects everything from app icons and control buttons to navigation elements and system alerts. Since it's woven into the core interface, there's no simple toggle to turn it off entirely.

However, Apple has provided some accessibility options to help users who find the transparency effects distracting or difficult to use.

Alternative solutions for Liquid Glass issues

Reduce motion effects

If the animated aspects of Liquid Glass are bothering you, go to Settings > Accessibility > Motion and enable Reduce Motion. This will minimize some of the dynamic animations.

Increase contrast

For better visibility, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and turn on Increase Contrast. This can help make interface elements more distinguishable.

Adjust display settings

You can also experiment with Dark Mode or Light Mode to see which works better with the Liquid Glass effects for your preferences.

User reception and feedback

The Liquid Glass redesign has proven highly polarizing among iPhone users. While some appreciate the modern, sophisticated look, others find it:

• Difficult to read due to transparency effects
• Distracting with too much visual movement
• Less functional than previous iOS designs
• Hard on the eyes during extended use

Critics have noted that the interface can feel "restless" and "less predictable," with some usability experts arguing that it prioritizes visual spectacle over practical functionality.

FAQ about Liquid Glass in iOS 26

Can I completely remove Liquid Glass from my iPhone?

No, there's no way to completely disable Liquid Glass as it's built into the core of iOS 26. You can only adjust certain transparency and visual effects through accessibility settings.

Will Apple add an option to turn off Liquid Glass in future updates?

While Apple hasn't officially announced plans to add a disable option, the mixed user reception suggests they may consider providing more customization options in future iOS updates.

Does reducing transparency affect battery life?

Yes, enabling "Reduce Transparency" can actually help improve battery life slightly, as your device won't need to render as many complex visual effects.

Can I downgrade from iOS 26 to avoid Liquid Glass?

No, Apple typically stops signing older iOS versions shortly after releasing new ones, making it impossible to downgrade once you've updated to iOS 26.

Are there third-party apps that can change the Liquid Glass appearance?

No, due to iOS security restrictions, third-party apps cannot modify system-level interface elements like Liquid Glass. Only Apple's built-in accessibility settings can make changes.

While you can't completely eliminate Liquid Glass from iOS 26, these accessibility adjustments can help make the interface more comfortable to use. As Apple continues to refine the design based on user feedback, we may see additional customization options in future updates.