Apple is making its new software look less harsh with the release of iOS 26.1. The update, expected in November, adds a new Liquid Glass toggle that lets users change how the interface looks, a hot topic. This update will be the first major change to iOS 26 since it launched in September. It has many changes intended to improve the user experience.
People who used the beta version of the new Liquid Glass toggle told the company what they wanted, and the company made it. Some people liked how iOS 26 made things look clearer, while others thought it was difficult to read or too busy. This new setting is a beneficial middle ground because it lets everyone pick how their phone looks.
How the Liquid Glass toggle changes iPhone appearance
You can find the new Liquid Glass toggle in the Settings app under “Display and Brightness.” It lets users choose between two different looks: “Clear” and “Tinted.” Apple has improved its latest design language by recognizing that personal preference is a major factor in how we use our devices. The table below shows the two new visual modes you can choose from with the Liquid Glass toggle.
Keep in mind that this Liquid Glass toggle changes how things like the navigation bars and Notification Center look. But it doesn’t eliminate the effect across all parts of the system, such as the app icons on the Home Screen or in Control Center. If you want a bigger change, you can still use the classic “Reduce Transparency” option in Accessibility settings.
iOS 26.1 has a few other features that users asked for, in addition to the new Liquid Glass toggle. One of the most useful new features is a “slide to stop” gesture for alarms and timers. This change brings back a classic iPhone feature from 2007. It replaces a large tap target that was prone to accidental taps. This small change makes a big difference for anyone who has ever turned off an alarm while they were still asleep.
Another useful change lets users have more say over the Lock Screen. You can now turn off the “swipe to open camera” gesture with a new setting. Many people have requested this feature because they often open the camera when taking their phone out of their pocket. The update also adds a new way to control your music: you can swipe on song titles in Apple Music to change tracks.
Apple is changing how it sends out patches to make things safer. “Background Security Improvements” has replaced “Rapid Security Responses.” This new system can automatically download and install important security updates, keeping your iPhone safe without you having to do anything.
