Apple’s latest iOS 26.1 developer beta introduces a significant customization feature users have been requesting: direct control over the Liquid Glass design. A new toggle allows you to easily reduce system-wide transparency for better readability. This update also finally lets you disable the often-accidental Lock Screen camera swipe, giving you more control over your iPhone’s interface.
Overview: How to Disable Liquid Glass Transparency in New iOS 26.1 Update
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — In a move that directly addresses user feedback from its summer beta program, Apple has seeded the fourth developer beta of iOS 26.1, packed with highly anticipated customization options. The headline feature is a new setting that finally answers the question of how to disable Liquid Glass transparency on iPhone, offering users unprecedented control over the operating system’s aesthetic.
Taking Control of Your Display: The Liquid Glass Toggle Explained
The controversial Liquid Glass design language, known for its frosted, translucent layers, has been a point of discussion since its debut. While visually striking, some users found it reduced legibility and desired a more opaque, high-contrast interface.
With iOS 26.1 developer beta 4, Apple has delivered. A new setting is now available within Settings > Display & Brightness. The toggle presents two clear choices:
- Clear: Maintains the default, transparent Liquid Glass effect.
- Tinted: Increases opacity and adds contrast system-wide, making text and icons stand out more clearly against backgrounds.
According to developers testing the beta, the change applies universally across native Apple apps, Lock Screen notifications, and any third-party apps that have adopted the Liquid Glass UI. This change is also mirrored in the latest betas for iPadOS 26.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.1, ensuring a consistent experience across Apple devices.
A Long-Awaited Fix: Disabling the Lock Screen Camera Gesture
Beyond visual customization, iOS 26.1 beta 4 solves another common user frustration: accidental camera launches. For the first time in years, users can now disable the swipe-left gesture on the Lock Screen that opens the Camera app.
The new toggle is located in Settings > Camera. When disabled, it prevents unintended activations, a frequent occurrence when pulling the phone from a pocket or bag. This change complements the multiple other ways to access the camera, including the dedicated Lock Screen button, Control Center, and the Action Button on Pro models.
What Else is New in iOS 26.1 Beta 4?
The fourth beta continues to refine the iOS experience with several under-the-hood improvements:
- Apple TV Rebrand: The streaming service is now fully referred to as “Apple TV,” with the “plus” officially dropped from its name throughout the system.
- Apple Intelligence Expansion: Support for eight new languages has been added, including Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese, Swedish, and Turkish.
- AirPods Live Translation: The real-time translation feature now supports conversations in Chinese Mandarin, Italian, Japanese, and Korean.
Conclusion: A Welcome Shift Towards User Customization
The introduction of the Liquid Glass transparency toggle and the ability to disable the Lock Screen camera gesture mark a significant step for Apple. It demonstrates a clear response to community feedback and a growing emphasis on user-choice within its software design philosophy. For those wondering how to disable Liquid Glass transparency, the wait is nearly over. The public release of iOS 26.1, bringing these user-requested features to everyone, is expected later this month.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on How to Disable Liquid Glass Transparency iOS
Q1: When will the Liquid Glass transparency setting be available to everyone?
Apple has not announced an official date, but based on typical beta cycles, the public release of iOS 26.1 is expected to arrive for all compatible iPhones later this month.
Q2: Does the ‘Tinted’ mode completely remove the Liquid Glass effect?
No, it does not remove it entirely. The Tinted mode significantly increases the opacity and adds contrast, making the interface elements more solid and legible while still retaining a subtle layered aesthetic.
Q3: If I disable the Lock Screen camera swipe, how else can I open the camera quickly?
You have several fast alternatives: tap the camera icon in the bottom corner of the Lock Screen, use the Camera Control on iPhone 16 models, access it via Control Center, or use the programmable Action button on iPhone 15 Pro and newer devices.
Disclaimer on How to Disable Liquid Glass Transparency iOS
This article covers features in a developer beta release of iOS. The final functionality, naming, and availability of these features are subject to change upon public release.