Apple is officially rolling out the iOS 26.1 update to all iPhones and other eligible devices everywhere. The firmware packs the usual array of AI enhancements and bug fixes. However, the real headline involves two small toggles that bring back control to users. iOS 26.1 allows users to finally have a toggle to tame the polarizing “Liquid Glass” design aesthetic that debuted in iOS 26.

Apple finally adds toggle to turn off Liquid Glass with the iOS 26.1 update

The Liquid Glass effect adds a high degree of transparency to system elements like notification banners and tab bars. While the idea seems appealing, the final result has divided users since its launch. The biggest criticisms have focused on legibility issues stemming from contrast differences between UI elements and buttons. Well, thankfully, Apple listened to the feedback.

In iOS 26.1, you can navigate to Settings > Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass and choose your preference. The new “Tinted” option increases the opacity of these elements. Enabling this change adds contrast and tones down the distracting transparency. The default “Clear” look remains, but you no longer have to live with the controversial effect if it isn’t your preference.

More fixes and improvements

The Liquid Glass fix isn’t the only quality-of-life change based on user demand. For years, the dedicated “swipe to open camera” gesture on the lock screen has been a source of frustration. It has caused countless accidental camera app launches. Now, users can disable this feature entirely. A simple toggle in Settings > Camera allows you to turn off the gesture. This should end for good the unintentional “inside-pocket photography” while still leaving the physical Camera Control button and the Lock Screen icon available.

Beyond user experience fixes, the update expands Apple’s newest features. Apple Intelligence gains support for several new languages, including Swedish, Turkish, and Vietnamese, broadening the AI’s utility for a global user base. Similarly, AirPods Live Translation now works with several additional languages. The list includes Japanese, Korean, and Italian, making real-time conversations easier for travelers.

Other minor changes round out the update. Apple is simplifying its streaming video service, rebranding “Apple TV+” to the cleaner “Apple TV,” alongside a vibrant new app icon. In terms of interaction, dismissing an alarm or timer now requires a “Slide to Unlock” gesture instead of a simple tap. And, users can now swipe on the MiniPlayer in the Music app to quickly skip tracks.

Overall, iOS 26.1 may not be a major feature drop. However, by handing control back to the user for controversial visual and gesture elements, Apple delivered one of the most welcome updates in recent memory.

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