Apple is adding a new control in iOS 27 that addresses one of the biggest complaints about Liquid Glass. The update brings a dedicated slider for transparency, giving users more control over how clear or solid the interface appears.
The change matters because Liquid Glass divided opinion when it first arrived in iOS 26. Some users appreciated the glossy, modern look, while others said the transparency could make parts of the interface harder to read.
A system-wide transparency control
With iOS 27, the Liquid Glass slider applies across the system. iPhone users running the update will be able to move between a more tinted look and a fully transparent appearance.
That means the original aesthetic can remain intact for users who like Apple’s transparent design language. At the same time, those who want stronger contrast can increase opacity to improve readability.
The adjustment shows that Apple is not abandoning Liquid Glass after a single generation. Instead, the company appears to be refining the design based on real-world feedback.
It also marks a shift in Apple’s approach to interface design. What began as a more uniform visual identity now gives users far more room to adapt the experience to their own preferences.
Apple responds to readability concerns
The main criticism of Liquid Glass has not been the look itself, but the way it affects screen clarity. Strong transparency can make text and layered interface elements feel less distinct.
By adding this slider, Apple is trying to balance a modern visual style with practical usability. Users are no longer locked into a single transparency level across the entire system.
For users who prefer a lighter, more futuristic glass effect, the option remains available. For those who prioritize clarity, iOS 27 offers a simpler path to better readability without giving up the new design entirely.
The change also suggests Apple is treating user reaction as part of the design process. The goal is not to cancel Liquid Glass, but to make it more flexible and easier to live with.
More than a transparency tweak
Apple is also revising the visual language of app icons in iOS 27. System icons now feature clearer separation between their layers, making them look more structured within the new design approach.
The sidebar in apps is changing as well. It now extends fully to the edge of the app window while still keeping the app’s signature color.
That creates a more integrated look across the display. At the same time, each app’s color identity remains visible, so navigation does not feel unfamiliar.
Dynamic Island gets the Liquid Glass treatment
The Liquid Glass look is also expanding to Dynamic Island. Apple is bringing a new Siri interface to the pill-shaped area at the top of the iPhone, making the feature feel closer to the wider system design.
This update strengthens Dynamic Island’s role as an active part of the interface rather than just a space for alerts and status information. With Siri integrated there, Apple is pushing for a more consistent visual experience in key parts of the system.
The presence of Liquid Glass effects in Dynamic Island also shows that Apple is still committed to the design direction. iOS 27 is not a full reversal, but a more measured refinement.
For users who were unsure about Liquid Glass in the previous generation, the new update offers a more practical compromise. The visual identity stays, but its intensity can now be adjusted.
Apple plans to release iOS 27 in the fall of 2026. Developers can already try the iOS 27 Developer Beta to see how the Liquid Glass slider and other interface changes work in practice.
