Apple is releasing another tool to reduce Liquid Glass transparency with the release of iOS 26.2, now. With the update, users will be able to control the transparency of the lock screen clock. The release follows an update that introduced a slider to control the opacity of Liquid Glass elements through the operating system, after user complaints that the changes made the iPhone or other Apple device too unreadable.
With iOS 26, the new design language for Apple devices turns various interface elements such as buttons, sliders and notifications translucent. The elements also refract light, giving them the optical properties of glass.
Intended to modernize Apple’s operating systems and potentially prepare for a world where the operating system migrates to AI smart glasses, Liquid Glass has received mixed reviews. Some found that the transparency made their device difficult to use, making it hard to read essentials such as notifications or artist name in Apple Music. In response to user complaints, Apple released a Liquid Glass tool in iOS 26.1 that allowed users to restore their interface to a more “frozen” look if they wished.
With the Watch’s “glass surface” slider, Apple is bringing back the transparency of the Liquid Glass update, but in the form of another user-controlled customization feature rather than a blanket change.
These tweaks are notable as they telegraph that Apple might not be 100% behind the design overhaul as perfect as it is.
The timing of the change is also worth noting. Earlier this month, Apple confirmed that the design executive behind the Liquid Glass makeover, Alan Dye, was leaving the company for the Meta. Although it didn’t seem like Dye was pushed out, Apple replaced him with longtime Apple designer Stephen Lemay.
Unlike Dye, Lemay’s career has been spent in interface and interaction design — a skill set needed when it comes to fixing Liquid Glass, it can be argued.
iOS 26.2 brought other new features beyond the latest Liquid Glass tweak.
As in the betas, users can now create AirDrop codes to share with people who aren’t in their contacts, allowing them to become a “known” AirDrop contact for a period of 30 days. The feature can make sense at work or in other scenarios where you need to share files or photos with someone who isn’t stored in your Contacts.
Also in iOS 26.2, Reminders supports alarms. Apple News gets a Follows tab in the bottom navigation bar along with other navigation changes. Apple Music adds offline lyrics. and the Podcasts app adds AI-generated chapters for podcast episodes, a Podcast report feature to link to other shows, and other changes.
Apple Watch owners will also receive a Sleep Score based on how well they slept and whether they met their sleep goals.
Apple also released several major security updates to its flagship products on Friday, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TVs and Apple Watches, to patch vulnerabilities used in an active hacking campaign.
