Apple is introducing another way to reduce the transparency effects of its Liquid Glass design language with the release of iOS 26.2, now available. The update adds a new control that lets users adjust the transparency level of the Lock Screen clock, following earlier complaints that the redesigned interface made some elements difficult to read.
Liquid Glass — launched with iOS 26 — introduced a new design system that turns interface components such as buttons, notifications, and sliders into semi-transparent elements that refract light, giving them a glass-like appearance. While the redesign was meant to visualise a more modern operating system and potentially serve as a foundation for future AI-powered smart glasses, user feedback has been mixed.
Some users reported that the transparency made their devices less usable, especially when reading notifications, text labels, or media information in apps like Apple Music. In response to that feedback, Apple added a system-wide slider in iOS 26.1 to let users revert to a more “frosted” appearance.
The new Lock Screen clock slider in iOS 26.2 represents another partial rollback of the Liquid Glass changes. However, Apple is once again framing it as a customisation tool rather than a reversal of its design direction.
These ongoing adjustments suggest Apple may not be entirely confident that the Liquid Glass aesthetic is fully optimised. The timing also stands out. Earlier this month, Apple confirmed that Alan Dye, the design executive behind the Liquid Glass redesign, is leaving the company for Meta. Dye’s replacement, Stephen Lemay, has long focused on interface and interaction design — an area highly relevant to refining Liquid Glass.
to commemorate alan dye moving from apple to meta, here's one of his best quotes pic.twitter.com/QnqaDRcYeh
— juan (@juanbuis) December 4, 2025
iOS 26.2 includes several additional updates
Beyond the Liquid Glass adjustments, iOS 26.2 introduces multiple new features across the system:
- AirDrop codes: Users can now generate shareable AirDrop codes for people not in their contacts. These codes allow temporary recognition as a “known” AirDrop contact for 30 days — useful in workplaces or other settings where quick file sharing is needed.
- Reminders: The app now supports alarms.
- Apple News: Gains a new Following tab in the bottom navigation bar, along with additional interface changes.
- Apple Music: Introduces offline lyrics.
- Podcasts: Adds AI-generated episode chapters, a Podcast Mention feature for linking to other shows, and additional navigation improvements.
Apple Watch users also receive a Sleep Score to track sleep quality and progress toward nightly goals.
Apple additionally released multiple security patches across its major operating systems — including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS — addressing vulnerabilities linked to an active hacking campaign.
