Apple iOS 26: Liquid Glass Effects Can Now Be Disabled

Apple is responding to user feedback regarding its new Liquid Glass interface introduced with iOS 26, offering a way to dial back some of its more prominent visual effects. The initial reception to Liquid Glass, intended as a fresh aesthetic overhaul, proved divisive, with many users finding the shimmering effects distracting and hindering interface navigation. Now, with the release of iOS 26.4 beta 4, Apple has included a setting to reduce these bright effects, signaling a willingness to adapt based on real-world user experience.

Addressing User Concerns with ‘Reduce Bright Effects’

The new setting, aptly named “Reduce Bright Effects,” is located within Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size. Currently, this feature is only available in the iOS 26 beta 4, but its inclusion suggests a likely rollout to all users with the official release of iOS 26.4. This isn’t the first adjustment Apple has made to Liquid Glass based on user input. With iOS 26.1, the company introduced an option to reduce the transparency of Liquid Glass elements, improving text readability within translucent containers. Tom’s Guide details these changes and provides a comprehensive overview of the iOS 26 update.

The current trajectory suggests Apple is aiming for a more customizable experience, allowing users to tailor the interface to their preferences. While “Reduce Bright Effects” addresses the luminosity of button highlights, some users are still hoping for a complete toggle to revert to the pre-iOS 26 interface. The ability to fully disable all Liquid Glass effects would provide the most control and cater to those who strongly prefer the previous design language.

How Liquid Glass Works and Why the Backlash

Liquid Glass, at its core, is a design philosophy centered around a fluid, almost refractive aesthetic. Apple describes it as having “the optical qualities of glass and a sense of fluidity,” aiming to create a more dynamic and engaging user experience. This is achieved through subtle animations, gradients, and light effects applied to various interface elements, including the Lock Screen, Home Screen, Control Center, and app icons. Apple’s official iOS 26 page showcases the intended visual style.

However, the implementation proved problematic for many. The constant shimmering and movement were reported to be distracting, and the altered visual cues made it harder to quickly identify and interact with interface elements. The change was particularly noticeable for users accustomed to the flatter, more minimalist design of previous iOS versions. The shift represented a significant departure from Apple’s established design principles, and the execution didn’t resonate with a substantial portion of its user base.

The Ripple Effect: Imitation and Innovation

Apple’s design choices often have a cascading effect on the broader tech industry, and Liquid Glass was no exception. Shortly after its introduction, other manufacturers began experimenting with similar visual styles. Realme introduced “Light Glass Design,” and Vivo’s OriginOS 6, while not a direct copy, clearly drew inspiration from Apple’s aesthetic. Connect.ro highlights this trend of imitation from Chinese manufacturers.

This phenomenon raises questions about the balance between innovation and imitation in the tech world. While inspiration is common, the rapid adoption of Liquid Glass-like effects suggests a broader industry trend towards more visually dynamic interfaces. Whether this trend will persist or ultimately fade remains to be seen, but it underscores Apple’s influence on the overall design landscape.

iOS 26: A Broader Context

iOS 26, released in September 2025, represents the nineteenth major iteration of Apple’s mobile operating system. According to Wikipedia, the operating system was first announced at the 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Beyond the controversial Liquid Glass interface, iOS 26 introduced several other notable features, including improved Apple Intelligence capabilities, interactive polls and backgrounds in Messages, and Live Translation across various communication apps. The update likewise focused on enhancing user privacy and security, with new tools to manage unwanted calls and eliminate distractions.

The release also marked a significant change in hardware compatibility, dropping support for iPhones with an A12 Bionic SoC, including the iPhone XS/XS Max and iPhone XR. This decision, while common in software updates, highlights the ongoing cycle of hardware obsolescence and the need for users to upgrade to newer devices to access the latest features and security enhancements.

What Comes Next for iOS and Interface Design

The inclusion of “Reduce Bright Effects” demonstrates Apple’s responsiveness to user feedback, a crucial aspect of its software development process. Further refinements to Liquid Glass, or even the introduction of more granular customization options, are likely in future iOS updates. The current beta testing phase provides a valuable opportunity for Apple to gather additional data and refine the interface based on real-world usage.

Looking ahead, the broader trend in interface design appears to be moving towards greater personalization and adaptability. Users are increasingly demanding control over their digital environments, and manufacturers are responding by offering more customization options. The success of features like “Reduce Bright Effects” will likely influence the design choices of future operating systems and applications, emphasizing the importance of user-centric design principles.