Apple's liquid glass interface improves with release of iOS 26 beta 2

iOS 26 Beta 2 improves Liquid Glass usability by tweaking Control Center's readability.

: With the release of iOS 26 Beta 2, Apple has addressed the significant usability issues evident in Liquid Glass by refining the Control Center's design. Initially criticized for its semi-transparent nature which blurred essential elements, Apple has enhanced readability by adjusting the background blur, ensuring interface elements stand out clearly. Despite these fixes, early users of iOS Beta stressed the need for more customizable options, signifying a demand for further personalization. As a result, Apple continues to refine Liquid Glass ahead of its official launch, incorporating feedback from its dedicated fanbase.

Apple has released iOS 26 beta 2, bringing key refinements to its newly introduced Liquid Glass interface. One of the most significant changes addresses the earlier criticism of the Control Center, which in beta 1 had extreme transparency making elements difficult to read. In beta 2, Apple increased background blur and adjusted opacity, greatly enhancing legibility while retaining the modern translucent aesthetic.

These improvements are part of a broader visual update across Apple’s platforms. On macOS Tahoe 26 beta 2, Apple restored the traditional Finder icon and added customizable background options to the menu bar, signaling the company’s responsiveness to community feedback. The overall approach suggests Apple is taking a more iterative and cautious rollout of its ambitious design refresh.

Liquid Glass is Apple’s new system-wide visual language, blending dynamic translucency with glass-like effects that shift based on context, such as wallpaper colors or ambient lighting. It aims to unify the user experience across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. The design language now spans lock screens, widgets, Control Center, and system alerts, creating a consistent and immersive interface.

User reception remains divided. While many praise the futuristic look and fluid motion, others have criticized the design as overly transparent and distracting. Some even labeled it the “ugliest thing Apple has ever done.” Apple’s adjustments in beta 2 aim to address these concerns by balancing aesthetic ambition with usability and clarity.

Beyond visuals, iOS 26 beta 2 introduces several functional enhancements. These include a new “Alt 1” variant of the Reflection ringtone, accessibility tags in App Store listings, iCloud syncing for the Journaling app, package tracking in Apple Wallet, and a live-radio widget for Apple Music. Apple also improved its Recovery Assistant tool for better diagnostics during boot issues.

Sources: The Verge, Times of India, IndiaTimes, NY Post

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