Apple is responding to user feedback regarding its Liquid Glass interface, introduced with iOS 26, by offering a new setting to reduce the intensity of its visual effects. The interface, intended to be a fresh and modern design element, has proven divisive, with some users finding it distracting or hindering navigation. The company is now rolling out a “Reduce Bright Effects” option in the latest iOS 26.4 beta, offering users greater control over their iPhone’s visual experience.
The introduction of Liquid Glass in iOS 26 marked a significant shift in Apple’s design language, aiming for a more fluid and dynamic aesthetic. However, the shimmering and translucent effects, even as visually striking to some, were criticized for impacting readability and causing eye strain. The initial release of iOS 26, announced on June 9, 2025, and launched on September 15, 2025, according to Wikipedia, included the Liquid Glass design across the Lock Screen, Home Screen, Control Center, and various apps. The new “Reduce Bright Effects” setting, currently available in iOS 26.4 beta 4, allows users to tone down these effects, offering a more subdued visual experience.
Accessibility Focused Adjustment
The “Reduce Bright Effects” setting is located within the Accessibility menu, specifically under Display & Text Size, demonstrating Apple’s commitment to providing customizable options for users with diverse needs. This isn’t the first adjustment Apple has made to Liquid Glass based on user input. With the release of iOS 26.1, users gained the ability to reduce the transparency of Liquid Glass elements, improving text visibility within translucent boxes. Apple’s iOS website highlights the design’s intent to be “lovely, delightful, and instantly familiar,” but acknowledges the need for personalization.
While the “Reduce Bright Effects” setting offers a step towards greater user control, some users are requesting a more comprehensive option – a toggle to completely disable all Liquid Glass effects and revert to the previous iOS interface. The current beta allows for a reduction in brightness, but doesn’t offer a full “off” switch. This ongoing evolution of the interface suggests Apple is actively listening to its user base and iterating on the design based on real-world feedback.
Beyond Apple: The Influence of Liquid Glass
The impact of Apple’s design choices extends beyond its own ecosystem. Following the introduction of Liquid Glass in iOS 26, other Android manufacturers quickly introduced similar visual effects. Realme’s Light Glass Design and Vivo’s OriginOS 6, while not direct copies, clearly drew inspiration from Apple’s aesthetic, as noted in reports from January 27, 2026. Connect.ro reported on these imitations, highlighting the influence of Apple’s design trends on the broader mobile landscape.
This trend underscores Apple’s role as a design leader in the consumer electronics industry. However, it also raises questions about originality and the potential for homogenization of user interfaces across different platforms. Whether this Liquid Glass-inspired aesthetic will turn into a lasting trend or a fleeting fad remains to be seen.
iOS 26: A Broader Look at Features and Compatibility
iOS 26, released in September 2025, represents the nineteenth major release of Apple’s mobile operating system. Beyond the visual changes introduced with Liquid Glass, the update includes features like enhanced Apple Intelligence, interactive polls and backgrounds in Messages, and improved call screening tools. According to Wikipedia, iOS 26 is written in C++, Objective-C, Swift, and assembly language.
However, the update also marked a significant change in device compatibility. IOS 26 dropped support for all iPhones with an A12 Bionic SoC, including the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. This decision, while common in software updates to optimize performance and focus development efforts, left some users with older devices unable to access the latest features and security updates. Currently, the latest release is version 26.3.1, launched on March 4, 2026, with iOS 26.4 beta 4 released on March 9, 2026, as reported by Wikipedia.
Supported Languages and Devices
iOS 26 currently supports 55 languages, including English (Australia, India, United Kingdom, and United States), Spanish (Latin America, Spain, and United States), and Chinese (Simplified and Traditional). The operating system is compatible with a wide range of iPhone models, including the iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and their respective Plus and Pro variants, as well as the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) and the newly announced iPhone 16e, as detailed on Apple Support.
What’s Next for iOS?
Apple continues to refine iOS 26 through beta testing and incremental updates. The current focus is on stabilizing iOS 26.4, with the beta program providing valuable feedback for addressing bugs and improving performance. Users can expect further refinements to the Liquid Glass interface, potentially including the requested option to completely disable the effects, based on the ongoing feedback from the beta community.
The next major iOS update, likely to be iOS 27, is anticipated to be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2026. While details remain scarce, industry analysts predict a continued emphasis on artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and enhanced privacy features. The evolution of iOS remains a key indicator of the direction of mobile technology and Apple’s commitment to innovation.
Key Takeaways:
- Apple is addressing user concerns about the Liquid Glass interface in iOS 26.
- The “Reduce Bright Effects” setting in iOS 26.4 beta 4 allows users to tone down the visual effects.
- The update dropped support for older iPhone models with the A12 Bionic chip.
- Other Android manufacturers have been inspired by Apple’s Liquid Glass design.
The release of iOS 26.4 is expected in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on Apple’s official website and support channels for the latest updates and information. We encourage readers to share their experiences with the new “Reduce Bright Effects” setting in the comments below.