Apple changes Liquid Glass design again in iOS 26 Beta 6

Apple iOS 26

Apple has made further adjustments to the Liquid Glass design in iOS 26 Beta 6, focusing primarily on the Lock Screen clock. The clock now features increased transparency, allowing more of the background to be visible beneath it.

This update also gives the clock a more pronounced 3D, floating appearance that aligns with the overall Liquid Glass aesthetic. While the control buttons retain their original Liquid Glass style, the icons have been enlarged for better visibility. Lock Screen widgets remain unchanged in this beta version.

The enhanced translucency and floating effect can make the clock slightly more difficult to read against some darker backgrounds. However, these changes clearly reinforce Apple’s commitment to refining the Liquid Glass look.

Throughout the iOS 26 beta testing cycle, Apple has been iterating on various design elements to perfect the user interface before the expected public release in September.

Since its announcement in June 2025, Apple’s Liquid Glass design in iOS 26 has seen multiple updates aimed at improving both aesthetics and usability. Here is an outline of the significant changes made since its introduction.

Apple introduced the Liquid Glass design as part of iOS 26 during its Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2025. The design represents a major shift towards a translucent interface that reflects and subtly distorts background elements, creating a more dynamic and visually engaging user experience.

During the beta testing phase, Apple made a number of tweaks to the Liquid Glass effect. Early beta versions introduced a frosted glass appearance, adding a soft blur to background elements behind translucent UI components. Later betas adjusted the level of transparency to enhance readability and ensure that interface elements remained clear and distinct against various wallpapers.

In the most recent beta release, several notable refinements were made. The Lock Screen clock received an update, featuring increased transparency and a more pronounced 3D floating effect that fits seamlessly with the Liquid Glass style. Control buttons and toggle switches were enhanced with subtle reflective effects to give them a more tactile appearance. Additionally, app icons gained a new translucent look that adapts between light and dark modes, allowing wallpapers to subtly show through without compromising icon clarity.

While the Liquid Glass design has been praised for its modern and elegant look, some users have reported challenges with readability, particularly when viewing certain backgrounds. To address this, Apple has included options within the Accessibility settings to reduce transparency and improve contrast, ensuring that the design remains practical for all users.

As the official iOS 26 release approaches, Apple continues to refine the Liquid Glass aesthetic, focusing on striking a balance between visual appeal and usability to deliver a polished final product.