iOS 26 introduces Liquid Glass, Apple’s glossy new interface design that adds a translucent, glass-like effect to system panels, widgets, wallpapers, and the Lock Screen. It makes your iPhone look modern and fluid, but not everyone finds it easy on the eyes. Some users say the effect can be distracting or even make text harder to read.
Apple does not offer a direct toggle to remove Liquid Glass completely, but there is an Accessibility setting that reduces the transparency. This option gives panels and backgrounds a more solid look, making the interface clearer and sometimes improving performance and battery life on older iPhones.
Here is how to turn off Liquid Glass in iOS 26 with Reduce Transparency.
Disable the Liquid Glass effect on iPhone
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Open the Settings app.
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Tap Accessibility.
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Select Display & Text Size.
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Scroll down and turn on Reduce Transparency.
Once you enable this, the glossy blur disappears. Your iPhone will replace the frosted panels with more opaque backgrounds across Control Center, widgets, and app folders.
What changes when you reduce transparency
Using Reduce Transparency does not fully disable Liquid Glass, but it makes it far less noticeable. Backgrounds appear darker and more solid, text becomes easier to read, and menus feel less busy. You may also notice smoother performance since the system no longer has to render the blur animations in real time.
How to bring Liquid Glass back
If you decide you prefer the original glossy look, you can reverse the change anytime. Go back to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and toggle off Reduce Transparency. The full Liquid Glass effect will instantly return.
Bottom line
Liquid Glass is a bold design shift in iOS 26, but it may not suit everyone’s preferences. By using the Reduce Transparency option, you can effectively turn off Liquid Glass in iOS 26 and enjoy a more solid, easier-to-read interface. This quick adjustment lets you personalize your iPhone’s look while keeping the rest of iOS 26’s features intact.
