How to change the iOS 26 design: Easily reduce transparency

With iOS 26, Apple introduces a new visual design language that differs significantly from previous versions. The so-called "Liquid Glass" design is based on strong transparency. Controls, app folders, and interfaces allow content to shine through, which may initially seem unfamiliar or impractical to many users. Those who struggle with this new look can use a simple setting to improve contrast and increase readability – without completely deactivating the design.

Liquid Glass is the central design element in iOS 26. According to Apple, it's intended to provide visual depth, modernity, and a more dynamic user experience. Specifically, this means that many UI elements, such as the Control Center or the App Library, appear translucent. The colors of the background or the currently open app influence the appearance of the controls. While this creates a stylistically consistent and flexible appearance, it can cause problems in practice—especially if you rely on good legibility or prefer a more relaxed appearance. Apple has built a suitable solution directly into the system for this situation.

What the “Reduce Transparency” setting does

Apple offers several options under Accessibility that allow you to customize the iOS display to your personal preferences or needs. One of these features is called "Reduce Transparency." When activated, transparent areas such as the Control Center, folders, or menus are given a darker, less translucent background. This increases contrast, making text and icons stand out more clearly without completely losing the Liquid Glass design.

It's important to note that enabling this option doesn't make the interface completely opaque. Rather, it reduces the transparency, maintaining the visual appeal but making it less distracting. Shapes, layouts, and all other design elements remain unchanged.

How to enable Reduce Transparency

The feature can be accessed in just a few steps. Here's how:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap Accessibility.
Select “Display & Text Size”.
Activate the slider for “Reduce Transparency”.

Once the setting is activated, the display changes immediately. The Control Center, app folders, and other translucent areas then appear darker and calmer. This is especially helpful for users who are distracted by excessive transparency or who have difficulty reading text against busy backgrounds.

Quick access via accessibility shortcut

If you don't want to keep the feature permanently enabled, you can also easily turn it on and off using a shortcut. To do so, you need to add it to your Accessibility Shortcuts once:

Open the settings
Go to Accessibility
Scroll all the way down and tap “Shortcut”
Select “Reduce Transparency”

Once you've done that, you can enable or disable the setting by triple-pressing the side button or via the Control Center, depending on your iPhone model. This gives you flexibility.

What else you should know

This feature is particularly interesting for developers currently working on the early beta version of iOS 26. The new design isn't final yet, and Apple is continuing to make adjustments and improvements based on feedback from test users. Anyone who is having trouble with the user interface during the transition phase can use "Reduce Transparency" to make the transition easier without giving up on the beta. According to Apple, the Liquid Glass design will change over the coming months. At the moment, iOS 26 is only available to developers. The public beta is scheduled for release in July, with the final version following in September. Whether and how the design evolves by then depends on how users like you react.

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Liquid Glass is the visual centerpiece of iOS 26—new, transparent, and modern. If that's too much for you or you're having trouble with readability, you can quickly achieve greater clarity with "Reduce Transparency." The feature is easily accessible, takes effect immediately, and doesn't change the entire system design. It offers a good balance: you retain the new look and feel while gaining clarity. Especially during the beta phase, this setting can help you get used to iOS 26. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)