iOS 26 Beta 2: Apple's Liquid Glass Interface Enhanced

Apple Addresses Liquid Glass Concerns in iOS 26 Beta 2

Following the release of iOS 26 Beta 2 on Monday, Apple has resolved a significant issue pertaining to Liquid Glass, the recently unveiled user interface design for iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices.

A Modernized User Interface

The updated user interface introduces a contemporary aesthetic to the operating system, drawing inspiration from the visual characteristics of glass. This includes its light refraction properties and inherent translucency.

Initial Feedback and Concerns

Early testers of iOS 26, while perhaps hasty in their assessments, quickly identified shortcomings within the initial developer beta of the new look. Despite the build being incomplete, users shared visual evidence and voiced criticisms regarding readability and usability in certain areas.

A primary concern centered around the diminished readability of the Control Center, accessed by swiping down from the iPhone screen’s upper-right corner.

Control Center Improvements

The semi-transparent nature of Liquid Glass made it difficult to distinguish Control Center buttons and sliders from the underlying Home Screen icons and widgets.

Apple has now rectified this issue in the latest beta by refining the background blur effect, which more effectively conceals the Home Screen content situated beneath.

Notification Readability

Readability of notifications was also initially problematic, as many users noted. The updated beta presents notifications with improved sharpness, though further refinement is still needed, particularly for optimal visibility against brighter backgrounds.

Ongoing Development and User Feedback

These adjustments are unlikely to be the final iterations, considering the public launch of iOS 26 is scheduled for the fall. However, they demonstrate Apple’s responsiveness to early user feedback and its commitment to making necessary modifications.