How to disable liquid glass in iOS 26?

Is there a way to completely disable the liquid glass functionality on iOS 26? I'm not going to get into a lengthy diatribe over why it's awful, I just want it gone.

iPhone 13 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Sep 16, 2025 8:14 AM

Reply
465 replies

Sep 20, 2025 4:58 AM in response to Totatora

Totatora wrote:

I upgraded to the first developer beta of iOS26 and hated the glass theme.

It is 100% doable and quite simple to go back to iOS 18 if you have a Mac and cable capable of data transfer (not just a cheap charger cable). I know this because I did it.

Note: doing it will install a fresh version of IOS18 as the backup created will be an IOS26 back and won’t work so you’ll lose any existing data. But it’s definitely doable.

It's NOT doable if someone installed iOS 26 last week when it was officially released.

Sep 23, 2025 11:27 PM in response to GrBear

You can change your Home Screen background to black - which is better for making app logos clearer anyway. You can also adjust Liquid Glass by pressing on Home Screen until apps jiggle, and then clicking edit in top left corner to change transparency and colours. I’ve used it for 5 days now and like all changes in life, you get used to it quite quickly. I like it now.

Please don’t change to Android - you’ll seriously regret the lack of general security and miss the Apple OS ecosystem.

Sep 29, 2025 4:00 PM in response to Jaxfox2

Jaxfox2 wrote:

This Liquid Glass feature makes me consider going back to Android

OK. Not that it matters to anyone on this user to user only forum, you should definitely buy what you think suits your needs best. If you thought Apple would see your comment and it would make them rethink Liquid Glass, they won't see it, nor would they be too concerned about what you choose to buy.


My Settings for Liquid Glass are Transparency and Contrast off and Reduce Motion ON and this is how my Home Screen looks, which I find hard to believe is causing so much consternation. In fact, it's to me, the coolest looking home screen I've ever had and I actually LOVE it:





Sep 30, 2025 11:47 AM in response to jammer2k

jammer2k wrote:

I really hate it also, mostly due to my vision this gives and effect of more blur than I already have naturaly. Apple, please consider not all of us are perfect vision 20 somethings.

Apple doesn't read here in this user-to-user forum for feedback or suggestions. You can, however, let them know your thoughts here:


Product Feedback - Apple


Oct 5, 2025 8:16 AM in response to Dlira

Dlira wrote:

You (and some others) have commented to a number of persons that Apple doesn’t read this website. I believe you are wrong - even if Apple says so. (If you were Apple, and wanted to make your product better, would you just ignore such a site? Probably not the best idea.)

Believe what you want to believe. But people like IdrisSeabright and other people who are higher level in the forum have the opportunity to interact directly with Apple through the forum and we DO know Apple doesn't participate nor pay attention to the posts in this user to user only forum.


If you want Apple to hear you, you use this link, where it WILL be read by Apple --> Product Feedback - Apple


Oct 19, 2025 10:30 AM in response to GrBear

Apparently, in 26.0.1, the setting is now Accessibility > Display > Reduce transparency.


You'll see it there amongst a bewildering list of new setting options that no one asked. Who adjusts the Display contrast? This is a bad April Fools Day joke waiting to happen. I see a few dozen trips to the Genius Bar for people who are wondering why their monitor is messed up.

Oct 20, 2025 10:04 AM in response to margit85

margit85 wrote:

Just updated my devices and I find the transparency makes reading and writing very difficult. I have done all of the suggested help options but just want my old settings back.

Without knowing what "all of the suggested help options" are you've tried, see if this helps you --> Liquid Glass - Love It Or Hate It - It's … - Apple Community

Oct 20, 2025 1:26 PM in response to stee1969

stee1969 wrote:

I reduced the transparency of Glass on my phone, but it didn’t change much. I still can’t read the clock on my Lock screen unless I squint - and I have pretty decent vision.

Did you try changing the numerals on the locksreen from glass to solid? Did you try changing the color so that it shows up better against that background?


Create a custom iPhone Lock Screen - Apple Support



As a former a product design manager and art director, I can’t believe Apple's flagrant disregard for accessibility with iOS 26. My designers would never have submitted something like this, they paid close attention to little things like usability.

You can share your wisdom with Apple here:


Product Feedback - Apple



Nov 13, 2025 8:25 AM in response to Emi055

Emi055 wrote:

I agree. I hate the glass and want it gone now. It’s so difficult for me to even see the time because I’m half blind.
please Apple, take the glass away! I’m so serious that I would consider an android at this point,

Apple doesn't read here in this user-to-user forum for feedback or suggestions. You can, however, let them know your thoughts here:


Product Feedback - Apple


How to disable liquid glass in iOS 26?

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