At WWDC 2026, Apple stated that it will continue to refine the visual design of the Liquid Glass system launched last year. This new interface previously sparked controversy due to its strong sense of transparency and varied layers; some users appreciated its look, while others felt the text and content were not easy to read.
The focus shifts to readability
Apple states that this update will improve the reading experience of Liquid Glass in complex content scenarios by addressing the underlying display method. One approach is to more noticeably soften complex background images to create a clearer separation between the content panel and the underlying information.
This means that when there is a lot of content and colors in the background of the interface, the foreground area will have a clearer separation effect, reducing the previous problem of "looking good but hard to see".
Users can adjust the effect themselves.
The most direct change in this update is the addition of control options. Apple stated that it will not force all users to accept the same Liquid Glass display style, but instead adds new sliders and settings to allow users to adjust the transparency of the interface themselves.
According to Apple, users can adjust the effect from "highly transparent" to "fully colored." This is equivalent to changing the previously relatively uniform visual scheme into an interface style that can be adjusted according to personal preferences.
- You can switch between a more transparent and a darker effect.
- Both iOS and macOS will provide relevant adjustments.
- Developers can support these custom effects when their applications are launched.
The icon will also be modified accordingly.
In addition to the interface layer itself, Apple will also redesign app icons for iOS and macOS. The company says the new icons will be more refined and consistent to make the entire Liquid Glass visual language look more harmonious.
For developers, Apple also emphasizes that the relevant customization capabilities will take effect simultaneously within the application. This means that third-party applications will not have to wait a longer period to integrate new display effects and adjustment methods.
Apple also mentioned at the launch event that major design updates typically go through a process of initial release followed by continuous iteration. The company stated that the team has been considering user feedback over the past year and has continued to refine the new design accordingly.
