iOS 26 Beta 3: A More User-Friendly Look

Apple's third developer beta of iOS 26 has officially dialed back the much-discussed 'Liquid Glass' design, following user feedback about the difficulties in reading certain interface elements. This update signifies a crucial step in refining the user experience for iPhone owners.

The Birth of Liquid Glass at WWDC 2025

Unveiled during WWDC 2025, the Liquid Glass design aimed to emulate the stunning optical characteristics of real glass, showcasing its ability to refract light and provide a sense of translucency. However, users quickly voiced concerns over its usability, especially in terms of legibility across various apps.

Improvements Address User Complaints

Last month's beta update addressed major issues, particularly the over-transparency of the Control Center, where Home Screen icons became obscured by the new design. In this latest beta, Apple has taken further steps to enhance clarity, reducing the excessive glass-like appearance in crucial areas.

Clearer Navigation and Notifications

The navigation bar in Apple Music now boasts a more solid white background, improving visibility when users navigate through their playlists. Similarly, notifications have been updated to feature a darker backdrop, significantly boosting contrast and making them easier to read at a glance.

Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality

While these changes do enhance readability, some users express concerns that Apple may have swung the pendulum too far, reverting to a more 'frosted glass' look. It's a balancing act between aesthetic appeal and functional usability.

What’s Next for Liquid Glass?

It's important to remember that these are still developer betas. Apple is actively gathering feedback and working to iron out bugs before the final public release of iOS 26 this fall. Users can expect more tweaks and enhancements to the Liquid Glass design, as Apple aims to find the perfect equilibrium in its new look.