Here’s How the New Liquid Glass Slider Works in IOS 27.
One of the main issues with Apple’s new “Liquid Design” aesthetic, introduced in iOS 26, was its lack of customization. Many users felt that the Liquid Design-style toolbars lacked contrast and transparency, making labels and buttons virtually illegible. Over the past year, Apple has been gradually refining the design, but in iOS 27, the company finally allows users to customize the settings to suit their preferences.
On stage at WWDC 2026, Apple announced that in iOS 27, the default “liquid glass” effect will be less transparent. A slider will also be added to increase or decrease the opacity. By moving the slider to its extreme position, you can effectively disable the “liquid glass” effect, making the toolbar opaque.
Regarding macOS, Apple stated that it is “bringing back” macOS design elements to Liquid Glass. I don’t have any details yet, but I’ll report back on the results as I install the betas. Apple gave a few examples in the presentation: first, the colors of the sidebar icons have returned, making them easier to spot. Apple also plans to force all apps to have consistent rounded corners, even if the developer hasn’t updated the code.
Apple is also changing the way it displays app icons. Apple’s own icons will be overlaid with layers of “liquid glass” between objects or elements. This will add depth to icons, and this feature will be supported even when the app icons are tinted or transparent. Third-party developers will also be able to take advantage of this new system.