Apple’s iOS 27 public beta introduces a slider that lets users finely tune the transparency of the Liquid Glass interface on iPhones, providing a wearable blend of aesthetic appeal and functional customization ahead of the full release this fall.
- iOS 27 beta adds a slider for Liquid Glass transparency control.
- Users can increase or reduce transparency based on preference.
- The effect evokes past Apple UI features like iOS 7’s parallax apps.
What happened
Apple rolled out the public beta for iOS 27 in mid-July, including a new customization feature for its Liquid Glass interface. This beta allows users to drag a slider within the iPhone’s Appearance settings to make the Liquid Glass effect more transparent or opaque than before.
Originally launched in 2025, the Liquid Glass design received mixed reviews due to legibility challenges. Apple partially addressed these concerns by making the effect more opaque in prior updates. The new iOS 27 beta reverses that trend by enabling users to maximize transparency for a unique visual experience.
Why it matters
This transparency slider reflects Apple’s ongoing commitment to balancing visual artistry with usability. By providing a user-controlled setting for Liquid Glass clarity, Apple empowers customers to tailor the interface to their preferences and needs, including accessibility considerations.
The enhanced transparency rekindles familiar effects from earlier iOS versions, such as the 3D parallax wallpaper introduced in iOS 7, lending depth and a tactile feel to the interface. This nostalgia factor combined with a modern implementation may improve user engagement and satisfaction with the evolving iOS design language.
What to watch next
As the full iOS 27 release approaches in September, attention will focus on how Apple finalizes the Liquid Glass transparency feature and whether it becomes a permanent, customizable option for mainstream users. Monitoring user feedback during the beta period will be key to understanding adoption and any needed refinements.
In parallel, Apple’s broader visual and functional updates in iOS 27—including significant changes to Siri and other accessibility features—will shape the overall reception of this release. Observers should note how aesthetics and utility are balanced to maintain iOS’s reputation for a seamless user experience.