Apple recently released iOS 26 beta 3, and a key change involves adjustments to the “Liquid Glass” feature. While initially introduced with much fanfare, this latest beta appears to be dialing back some of its more prominent aspects.
What is Liquid Glass?
Liquid Glass, as many understand, is Apple’s attempt to bring a more fluid and dynamic user interface to iOS. It focuses on visual effects and transitions that mimic the behavior of liquids, providing a visually appealing experience. This involves elements like:
Dynamic blurs and transparencies
Fluid animations when opening and closing apps
Subtle distortions and refractions
Beta 3 Changes
In iOS 26 beta 3, users have noted a reduction in the intensity of the Liquid Glass effects. Some of the changes include:
Reduced blur radius in certain UI elements
Slightly faster transition animations
Less pronounced distortions on app icons
These adjustments may be aimed at optimizing performance and addressing feedback from earlier beta versions where the effects were perceived as too distracting or resource-intensive. Apple often iterates on features based on user experience and device capabilities, and this seems to be a clear example of that.
Unlocking iOS 26: A Treasure Trove of Hidden Features
iOS 26 brings headline features like Liquid Glass design and Apple Intelligence. However, plenty of subtle upgrades enhance daily use. In fact, this video reveals over 30 hidden gems, and below are the top tips and tricks.
🎧 1. Call Screening & Hold Assist
First, a powerful tool answers spam calls automatically. Then, Ask who’s calling and decide to pick up. Next, Hold Assist keeps you in queue for customer service and notifies you when someone responds casebx.com
🔋 2. Estimated Charge & Adaptive Battery
Now, your Lock Screen shows estimated charge‑time minutes—e.g., “5 m to 80%.” Plus, adaptive power mode boosts battery when needed en.wikipedia.org
🌈 3. Customize Look & Feel
Liquid Glass brings translucency and dynamic depth casebx.com
Then, reduce transparency in Accessibility to tone it down en.wikipedia.org
Also, home and lock screen themes adjust automatically to light or dark modes en.wikipedia.org
🖼 4. Enhanced Apps
Camera: simpler tabs and faster mode switching .
Photos: restored tabs (“Library” and “Collections”) and optional spatial 3D effects en.wikipedia.org
Gestures to switch Safari tabs and access Control Center faster youtube.com
Customizable Control Center pages let you group toggles for easy access .
🌙 6. Background Sounds & Late Night Mode
Late Night audio mode softly adjusts output volumes. Likewise, background sounds now include options like rain, forest, fire, and airplane ambiance applemagazine.com.
🔐 7. Password History & Security
You can now view recently generated passwords or earlier saved ones for each site—handy to avoid reuse or recover by mistake reddit.com.
⚙️ 8. Battery & Performance Tools
Battery menu shows daily usage comparisons.
Adaptive mode balances performance to stretch battery life casebx.com
✅ Why These Matter
Feature
Benefit
Call tools
Improve privacy and convenience
Custom visuals
Personalize your device’s aesthetics
Enhanced apps
Speed and function in everyday use
Battery & security
Smarter management and safety
Enhanced Customization Options
iOS 26 takes personalization to the next level. Explore the expanded customization options within the Settings app. For example, you can now tailor the appearance of individual app icons.
App Icon Customization: Change app icons to match your aesthetic using custom images or themes.
Control Center Modules: Add or remove modules from the Control Center to prioritize the functions you use most.
Productivity Boosters
iOS 26 introduces several features designed to enhance productivity.
Quick Note Enhancements: Improved integration with other apps and enhanced formatting options make Quick Note an even more powerful tool for capturing ideas and information.
Siri Shortcuts: Take advantage of advanced Siri Shortcuts to automate complex tasks and streamline your workflow.
Privacy and Security Enhancements
Apple continues to prioritize user privacy with iOS 26.
Enhanced Location Controls: Fine-grained control over location permissions, allowing you to specify when and how apps can access your location data.
Privacy Report Improvements: A more detailed Privacy Report provides insights into how apps are using your data.
Accessibility Improvements
iOS 26 includes new accessibility features to make the platform more inclusive.
Voice Control Enhancements: Improved accuracy and expanded vocabulary make Voice Control even more reliable for hands-free operation.
Customizable AssistiveTouch Menus: Tailor AssistiveTouch menus to your specific needs for easier navigation and control.
