Apple Pushes iOS 18 Users to Upgrade to iOS 26 — and Finally Adds Controls to Tone Down Liquid Glass

 

Apple is intensifying its efforts to move iPhone users away from iOS 18 and toward its latest operating system, iOS 26. According to a report from MacRumors published on December 2, 2025, Apple now highlights iOS 26.1 as the recommended update inside the Settings app, while iOS 18 updates have been pushed to the bottom of the page.

Since its launch in September, iOS 26 appeared as an optional upgrade. But now, Apple is giving the new system far more visibility—clearly signaling its intention to increase adoption.
Users can still remain on iOS 18 for a limited time and continue receiving security patches, but this support will not last forever.

 

⭐ Why Some Users Resist Upgrading: The Liquid Glass Interface

One of the biggest reasons for hesitation is the bold new interface design introduced with iOS 26: the Liquid Glass aesthetic.

 Icons, windows, and menus are now more rounded, more translucent, and visually lighter—a dramatic change that extends across iPadOS and macOS.

However, not everyone appreciates this modern, glassy look.

⚠️ Important Note: Once a device is updated from iOS 18 to iOS 26, there is no official way to downgrade back to iOS 18.

 

🎉 Good News: Apple Finally Lets You Reduce the Liquid Glass Effect

With the release of iOS 26.1, Apple has added long-awaited controls to tone down the Liquid Glass effect—a relief for users who find the new visuals distracting or difficult to read.

🔧 How to Change the Liquid Glass Appearance

Go to:

Settings > Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass

You’ll find two options:

• Clear — The original, fully transparent Liquid Glass look
• Tinted — Adds a more solid, opaque background to UI elements

When using “Tinted,” the system automatically switches between light and dark tones depending on your content. The effect is especially noticeable in apps like Photos.

 

🔐 More Customization Coming in iOS 26.2

As of late November 2025, Apple is testing iOS 26.2, which introduces even deeper customization—especially for the Lock Screen. Many users found Liquid Glass made lock-screen text harder to read, and Apple is addressing that.

🔧 How Lock Screen Control Works

Long-press the Lock Screen → Customize → Tap the clock

You’ll be able to choose between:

• Glass — keeps the transparent Liquid Glass effect
• Solid — removes transparency entirely

Even when using the Glass option, you gain a transparency slider for precise control.

 

🛠 Additional iOS 26 Settings to Improve Clarity

Apple also offers several general accessibility and display tools to enhance readability and reduce visual clutter.

📱 Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size:

• Reduce Transparency
• Bold Text
• Larger Text
• Increase Contrast

These options make on-screen elements easier to see—especially when combined with Liquid Glass adjustments.

🏠 Home Screen Options:

Long-press any empty area → Edit > Customize

You can then:

• Darken app icons
• Darken the background
• Increase icon size

These customizations significantly improve visibility and help users adapt to the new interface style.

 

✔️ Final Thoughts

Apple is clearly guiding users toward iOS 26 while simultaneously addressing the main complaint about its new design: the bold and sometimes overwhelming Liquid Glass interface.
With added controls in iOS 26.1—and even more flexibility coming in iOS 26.2—Apple aims to make the transition smoother, more comfortable, and far more customizable.