Apple is making its new software look less harsh with the release of iOS 26.1. The update, which is expected to come out on Monday, November 3, or Tuesday, November 4, adds a new Liquid Glass toggle that lets users change how the interface looks, which has been a hot topic.
This will be the first big change to iOS 26 since it came out in September. It has a lot of changes that are supposed to make the experience better for users. 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 hard to read or too busy. This new setting is a good middle ground because it lets everyone pick how their phone looks.
How the Liquid Glass Toggle Transforms Your iPhone’s Look
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 made its latest design language better by realizing that personal preference is a big part of 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 get rid of the effect on all parts of the system, like the app icons on the Home Screen or Control Center. If you want an even bigger change, you can still use the classic “Reduce Transparency” option in the Accessibility settings.
More useful changes coming in the iOS 26.1 update
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 takes the place of a large tap target that was prone to accidental hits. 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” have taken the place of “Rapid Security Responses.” This new system can automatically download and install important security updates, so your iPhone will be safe without you having to do anything.
