Apple to Offer Matte Black 'Tinted' Finish as Alternative to Glossy Back

Apple Introduces Customization Options for Liquid Glass

A new functionality has been implemented by Apple, providing users with greater control over the personalization of Liquid Glass. The latest beta update for both mobile and desktop operating systems introduces a setting allowing users to select between a Clear or Tinted appearance for Liquid Glass.

Responding to User Feedback

This addition demonstrates Apple’s attentiveness to user input following the initial public releases of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26. While Apple frequently introduces substantial changes, it often incorporates fallback options to accommodate users who require time to adapt.

A similar approach was taken when Apple repositioned Safari’s address bar to the bottom of the screen in 2021. Following negative reactions, an option was provided to revert the bar to its original location at the top. (It is worth noting that Apple’s decision regarding the address bar’s placement ultimately proved beneficial, enhancing thumb accessibility.)

Apple is now applying a comparable strategy to Liquid Glass.

A Significant Design Shift

The new user interface launched with iOS 26 and other Apple operating systems represents the company’s most extensive design overhaul since the transition from skeuomorphic to flat design in 2013. As is typical with changes of this magnitude, opinions have been divided.

Some users have reported that the Liquid Glass design diminishes the readability of certain interface elements, such as notifications and navigation controls within applications like Apple Music. Conversely, others have praised Liquid Glass for its meticulous detail and modern aesthetic, perceiving it as a necessary update to an interface that had become outdated.

Recognizing the potential for differing opinions, Apple is now granting users increased agency over the appearance of Liquid Glass.

Feature Details and Availability

The new feature was initially identified by 9to5Mac and debuted in iOS 26.1 beta 4, alongside corresponding updates for tablets and desktop computers.

In a statement to TechCrunch, Apple confirmed that during the beta testing phase this summer, feedback was received from users requesting a more opaque option for Liquid Glass. This new personalization setting is now available in iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS 26.1.

Beta users can access this functionality through the “Display & Brightness” menu within Settings, where the new Liquid Glass option is located. On Mac, the setting can be found under “Appearance” in System Settings. Users can choose between Clear and Tinted, with the latter increasing the opacity of interface elements for improved visibility.

Implementation and Developer Support

While some users advocated for a slider to enable more granular opacity control, Apple has implemented a toggle offering two distinct tint levels.

Apple has informed TechCrunch that developers who have already integrated Liquid Glass into their applications will automatically recognize and respect the user’s chosen preference. Developers can currently test this functionality within the 26.1 developer beta.

Upon selecting their preferred option, users will observe changes across various user interface elements, including the Now Playing controls, Lock Screen Notifications, and within both Apple’s native applications and those developed by third parties.

The beta feature is currently available to developers, with a public beta release anticipated within the next few days, preceding the broader public release.