iOS 16.2: Apple Brings Back Liquid Glass Effect for Lock Screen

Apple Refines Liquid Glass Transparency with iOS 26.2 Update

A new update, iOS 26.2, has been released by Apple, providing users with further control over the transparency of its Liquid Glass design. This follows initial user feedback regarding readability issues on devices utilizing the new interface.

Understanding Liquid Glass

Introduced with iOS 26, Liquid Glass represents a shift in Apple’s design language. Interface components such as buttons, sliders, and notifications now exhibit a semi-transparent quality. These elements also feature light refraction, mimicking the appearance of actual glass.

While intended to modernize Apple’s operating systems and potentially lay the groundwork for future integration with AI-powered smart glasses, the Liquid Glass design received a varied reception. Some users reported difficulty in using their devices due to reduced legibility of crucial information like notifications or artist names within Apple Music.

Responding to User Feedback

Acknowledging these concerns, Apple initially responded with iOS 26.1, introducing a tool to revert the interface to a more “frosted” aesthetic. Now, with iOS 26.2, Apple is extending this control to the Lock Screen clock’s transparency via a dedicated slider.

This latest adjustment indicates a willingness from Apple to address user concerns and refine the Liquid Glass implementation through customizable features, rather than a complete overhaul.

Leadership Changes and Design Direction

The timing of these changes is significant. Alan Dye, the design executive responsible for the Liquid Glass redesign, recently departed Apple for Meta. He has been replaced by Stephen Lemay, a designer with a strong background in interface and interaction design.

Lemay’s expertise in these areas is particularly relevant to addressing the challenges presented by Liquid Glass, suggesting a renewed focus on usability and user experience.

Additional Features in iOS 26.2

Beyond the Liquid Glass adjustments, iOS 26.2 introduces several new functionalities.

• AirDrop Codes: Users can now generate AirDrop codes to share content with individuals not in their contacts, granting them temporary “known” AirDrop access for 30 days.
• Reminders Alarms: The Reminders app now supports the setting of alarms.
• Apple News Updates: A “Following” tab has been added to the bottom navigation bar within Apple News, alongside other navigational improvements.
• Apple Music Offline Lyrics: Offline lyric support is now available in Apple Music.
• Podcasts Enhancements: The Podcasts app benefits from AI-generated chapter markers, a “Podcast Mention” feature for linking to other shows, and further improvements.
• Apple Watch Sleep Score: Apple Watch users can now track their sleep quality with a new Sleep Score, based on sleep duration and goal attainment.

Furthermore, Apple released critical security updates across its product line – including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TVs, and Apple Watches – to mitigate vulnerabilities exploited in an ongoing hacking campaign.