iOS 26.1 Beta 4 Introduces Refined Liquid Glass Appearance Options
Apple has rolled out the fourth beta versions of iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS 26.1, bringing a significant update to the Liquid Glass visual effects. The standout feature is a new setting that allows users to adjust the opacity of Liquid Glass, offering a more tailored aesthetic experience across Apple devices. This enhancement underscores Apple’s commitment to refining user interface personalization while maintaining the fluid, translucent design language that defines its operating systems., according to emerging trends
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Simplified Choices for Liquid Glass Effects
Gone are the days of complex sliders for transparency adjustments. In the latest beta, Apple has streamlined the options to two distinct settings: ‘Clear’ and ‘Tinted’. The ‘Clear’ mode preserves the original, more transparent Liquid Glass look, while the new ‘Tinted’ option increases opacity and adds contrast, making elements like notifications and app interfaces stand out more prominently. This change is designed to cater to users who prefer bolder visuals without sacrificing the signature Liquid Glass style., according to recent innovations
These settings are easily accessible in the Display & Brightness menu on iOS and iPadOS, and within the Appearance section in macOS Settings. By simplifying the choices, Apple aims to make customization intuitive, ensuring that even casual users can quickly modify their device’s look and feel., according to expert analysis
Broad Application Across System and Third-Party Apps
The updated Liquid Glass options apply universally to core system components, including inbox applications and lock screen notifications. Moreover, third-party apps that have integrated support for Liquid Glass will automatically adopt these new appearance settings, providing a cohesive experience. This widespread compatibility highlights Apple’s focus on ecosystem consistency, allowing developers to leverage system-level design changes without additional updates., as additional insights, according to market trends
For users who require reduced visual effects for accessibility, Apple has retained the Reduce Transparency feature, located under Accessibility > Display & Text Size in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26. While this option has been available, it’s often overlooked due to its placement, making the new ‘Tinted’ setting a welcome addition for those seeking a middle ground., according to market insights
Additional Enhancements in iOS 26.1 Beta 4
Beyond Liquid Glass refinements, this beta introduces several other noteworthy updates. Apple Intelligence now supports additional languages, including Chinese (traditional), Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, and Vietnamese, expanding its global reach and usability., according to according to reports
The AirPods Live Translation feature, recently launched on AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4 (excluding EU models due to regulatory considerations), has been updated to include Chinese (Mandarin simplified and traditional), Italian, Japanese, and Korean. This enhancement makes real-time translation more accessible for travelers and multilingual users, reinforcing Apple’s investment in AI-driven communication tools., according to expert analysis
Lastly, a new toggle has been added to disable the swipe-left gesture on the lock screen to open the camera, giving users greater control over accidental activations. This small but practical change addresses common feedback from users who prefer a more deliberate camera access method., according to industry analysis
What This Means for Users and Developers
For everyday users, these updates emphasize personalization and accessibility, allowing for a more comfortable and visually appealing device interaction. The simplified Liquid Glass options, in particular, reduce decision fatigue while offering meaningful customization. Developers, on the other hand, can anticipate smoother integration of system-wide design elements, as highlighted in resources like the Apple Developer News, which provides early insights into such changes.
As Apple continues to iterate on its beta releases, feedback from testers will be crucial in polishing these features for the final public rollout. If you’re participating in the beta program, explore these new settings and share your thoughts to help shape the future of Apple’s software.
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