The iOS 27 public beta includes a new setting allowing users to adjust the transparency of the Liquid Glass interface, offering options for both increased clarity and higher opacity.
Key facts
- •Apple released the iOS 27 public beta in mid-July, with a full software launch scheduled for September.
- •The new Liquid Glass transparency slider is found under the Appearance tab in the iPhone Settings menu.
- •The Liquid Glass interface was originally launched in 2025 and was previously adjusted by Apple to be more opaque due to legibility concerns.
- •The transparency setting allows users to choose between a highly clear, warped visual effect or a more solid, opaque interface.
- •The iOS 27 beta also includes other updates, such as an overhaul of the Siri assistant.
Apple has released a public beta for iOS 27, which features a new customization option for the operating system's Liquid Glass design. Users can now access a slider in the Settings menu to adjust the transparency of the interface, allowing for a more clear or more opaque visual experience. The software update is expected to see a full release in September.
Customizing the Liquid Glass Interface
The new transparency control is located within the Appearance tab of the Settings menu. By dragging the slider to the left, users can increase the transparency of the Liquid Glass effect, while dragging to the right increases the overall opacity. This feature serves as an alternative to existing accessibility options, such as Reduce Transparency and Increase Contrast, which remain available in the operating system.
Design Evolution and User Experience
The Liquid Glass design, which was first introduced in 2025, previously faced criticism regarding text legibility, leading Apple to release updates that made the interface more opaque. The new iOS 27 slider allows users to reverse this trend if they prefer a more transparent aesthetic. The effect creates a warping visual on screen elements, which some users compare to the depth-focused design language of iOS 7, specifically the parallax wallpaper effect that utilized the device's gyroscope to create a sense of dimensionality.
Timeline
- 2025Apple launched the Liquid Glass operating system design.
- Mid-JulyApple released the public beta for iOS 27.
- SeptemberApple expects to release the full version of iOS 27.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Wired.
