Apple’s innovative Liquid Glass design language introduced with iOS 26 created great excitement in the technology world. However, with the release of the third developer beta version, the transparent and fluid aesthetics of this design language became a subject of debate. Feedback from users and developers shows that Apple has made radical changes to the design and moved away from the original vision of Liquid Glass. So, are these changes a step back in Apple’s design philosophy or a strategic step taken to improve the user experience?
Was Liquid Glass dealt a blow with iOS 26 Beta 3?
Apple had described the Liquid Glass design language, introduced with iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, as the “interface of the future.” Transparent navigation bars, buttons, and tabs offered a modern and elegant aesthetic, allowing users to clearly see the content in the background. However, some users noted that this excessive transparency caused readability issues. Some elements, such as the icons in the Control Center, were particularly difficult to see due to the transparent design.
Apple responded quickly to these complaints. In the first developer betas, Liquid Glass’ transparency level was already reduced somewhat. In the third beta, these changes were taken even further. Navigation bars, buttons, and tabs are now less transparent, with a more “frosted” and solid appearance. While this change seems to have been made to improve readability, some users and developers feel it has strayed from Apple’s original vision.
AppleTrack developer Sam Kohl shared on the X platform that iOS 26 beta 3 has “completely weakened” Liquid Glass. “It looks a lot cheaper now, and I feel like Apple is backtracking on their original vision,” Kohl said, expressing his disappointment. Other users on X shared similar views. “I want Apple to stop ruining Liquid Glass. This isn’t the stunning design shown at WWDC,” one user wrote. Another called the new design a “step backwards.”
However, the backlash isn’t just negative. Some beta users argue that the new design is better for readability. They note that less transparent elements make it easier to use, especially in low-light conditions or in apps with complex backgrounds. Interestingly, some users have noticed that the level of transparency varies from app to app. For example, the navigation bar in the Notes app appears more opaque, while Safari still retains some transparency. This suggests that Apple is tailoring the design changes to each app.
These changes to Apple’s Liquid Glass design show how much the company cares about user feedback. However, it also shows that Apple seeks balance in its design decisions. The Liquid Glass showcased at WWDC was a bold and innovative approach; However, criticisms that it made the user experience difficult in practice seem to have led Apple to a more conservative approach.
Apple has also been known to make fine adjustments to its designs in beta processes in the past. For example, when iOS 7 was introduced, the flat design aesthetic initially caused controversy, but was made user-friendly with changes made in the beta processes. Similarly, Apple is expected to further develop Liquid Glass before the final version of iOS 26 is released. The company may be trying to find the perfect balance between transparency and readability.
The changes made in the third developer beta are not limited to visual aesthetics. Apple has also made improvements in areas such as performance optimizations and battery efficiency. Making Liquid Glass less transparent could make the interface run more smoothly, especially on older devices (for example, the iPhone 12 or 13 series). Since transparent effects create additional load on the graphics processor (GPU), it is also possible that these changes are part of a performance-focused decision.
There’s also talk that Apple could offer customized transparency levels for different apps, taking into account feedback from the developer community. For example, productivity apps could opt for a more solid look, while media-focused apps could retain a more transparent aesthetic. This suggests that Apple is taking a flexible approach in terms of both aesthetics and functionality.
The public release of iOS 26 is expected in September 2025. Apple is likely to make more changes during the beta phase. The Liquid Glass design language will continue to be a core element that shapes the user interface on Apple’s iPhone, iPad, and other devices. However, it remains to be seen how closely the final design will adhere to the vision showcased at WWDC.
Some analysts believe Apple will not abandon Liquid Glass entirely, but will take a more pragmatic approach to prioritize user experience. Others argue that these changes are a sign that Apple is determined to forge its own path rather than follow design trends.
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