iOS 26 just got a big design upgrade — thanks to your complaints

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Improved Liquid Glass

iOS 26 developer beta running on iPhone showing Liquid Glass interface.
(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

Apple released iOS 26 Beta 2 this week, adding some new features while also apparently fixing complaints about the new Liquid Glass user interface for iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices.

Liquid Glass refreshed the interface across Apple's different operating systems with a new look and feel that gave it more of a transparent look. However, initial impressions were mixed.

"This feature allowed you to change the color of your app icons — at least in theory. In practice, the finished result made it look like you poured sauce all over your apps," my colleague Josh Render said of the customizable feature.

What Beta 2 changes

iOS 26 Liquid Glass display

(Image credit: Android Authority)

With developer beta 2 for iOS 26, Apple has adjusted the background blur which obscures the home screen more and makes it more readable.

Here's an example from X user Aaron Perris, a contributor at Mac Rumors.

Notifications appears to have received a similar update to make them more readable, though it doesn't look as dramatic as the Control Center change.

To be clear, this likely won't be the final look for iOS 26 this is still a developers beta. A public beta won't launch until later this summer followed by the full release ahead of the iPhone 17 launch in the fall. Still, it is clear that Apple appears to be listening to user feedback and adjusting.

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Scott Younker
Scott Younker
West Coast Reporter

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released.

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