In a sense, most software is a work in progress, with companies continuing to roll out tweaks and updates long after the initial release. For an example of that, look no further than iOS 26 in general and the new Liquid Glass interface in particular.
Liquid Glass debuted across Apple's different software platforms this fall, and it's safe to say the new look has garnered a mixed reaction. While some appreciate the glossy effects and transparent menu items, others have been less receptive, with some complaining that the new look makes some elements hard to see, particularly on an iPhone's display.
iOS 26.2 addresses that issue by adding a third slider underneath the one that adjusts the clock's color. The screenshot above contrasts a lock screen created on a phone running the original iOS 26 release on the left with one from an iOS 26.2 device. With the size and colors sliders set to roughly the same size, I've adjusting the tint on the right side to make the clock look more transparent in iOS 26.2, with my cat's fur visible behind the numbers on the clock.
Here's another example of how I've used the new slider in iOS 26.2 to make my lock screen clock more transparent. On the left is the original lock screen, while the right shows what happens when I've adjusted transparency. I've also adjusted the color, as the original lock screen was using a custom shade that didn't lend itself to greater transparency.
You'll want to play around with the effect to get the right mix of color and transparency to your preference. I find the effect is more noticeable the larger you make the clock. (That's why the clock looks a little larger in the right screenshot above.) I wish there was a way to make lock screen widgets more visible separate from the clock, but this is certainly a step in the right direction.
This iOS 26.2 lock screen addition is just the latest in a series of controls Apple has given you to make Liquid Glass bow to your will. Previously, you've been able to adjust the transparency of Liquid Glass elements by going into Settings, selecting Accessibility followed by Display & Text Size and sliding on the toggle to Reduce Transparency. You can also opt for transparent Liquid Glass icons in iOS 26 when you customize your phone's home screen.
In case you've never tried customizing your lock screen on the iPhone, here's a refresher on how to do it, updated with a tip on using the revamped slider in iOS 26.2 to adjust the clock transparency.
1. Create a customized lock screen
Press and hold on your iPhone's current lock screen to bring up the customization menu. You can either tap Customize to adjust the current lock screen or hit the plus (+) button to create a new one. For this tip, we're creating a new lock screen.
2. Pick your wallpaper
If you're creating a new lock screen, you'll be prompted to pick your wallpaper from the gallery of options available, which includes your own photos as well as Apple-supplied options. (And once iOS 26.3 arrives, you'll have even more wallpaper options to pick from.)
3. Adjust the clock's look
Tap on the clock. This will bring up a menu that lets you pick the font and color of the clock, along with the sliders to increase the size, color and (as of iOS 26.2) transparency of the clock. Buttons at the bottom of the screen let you choose between Glass and Solid looks for the clock.
Make your adjustments and tap anywhere on the screen. You can then drag the corner of the clock to stretch or shrink it on the screen.
4. Adjust your photo
Those hexagonal icons on the right side of the screen allow you to apply a spatial photo effect to your wallpaper — a new featured added to the lock screens as part of iOS 26. (You'll need an iPhone 12 or later to take advantage of that feature.) There's also an option to stretch the wallpaper, so that it better fills the lock screen.
5. Add widgets
Tap either the date above the clock or the Add Widgets section of the lock screen to add tappable widgets to your lock screen. I usually customize mine to include widgets that turn on alarms, show my move goal status, give me the current temperature and let me log my medications for the day.
6. Adjust your Control Center controls
By default, you've got shortcuts for turning on the flashlight or launching the camera from your lock screen, but you can tap the minus (-) button to get rid of those. Tapping the blank shortcut space brings up a list of available Control Center shortcuts. (Last year, I picked 9 favorite Control Center shortcuts if you're looking for inspiration.)
7. Pair your lock screen with a home screen
When you've customized the lock screen to your heart's content, tap the Add button in the upper right corner. Your new lock screen will be saved, and you'll be prompted to pair it with a wallpaper for the phone's home screen. You have the option of just using the same wallpaper as the lock screen or picking a customized wallpapper.
And that's how the new slider in iOS 26.2 integrates into the process for customizing your iPhone's lock screen. If you're looking for more iOS 26 tips, I've talked about how to take advantage of the new Urgent alarms in Reminders that iOS 26.2 added. I've also written about an accessibility improvement in iOS 26.2 that makes notification alerts more visible.
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
