With the arrival of the iOS 27 public beta in mid-July, Apple introduced a subtle yet significant new feature: a dedicated slider that lets users adjust the transparency of Liquid Glass, the translucent interface launched in 2025. This option, found under the Appearance tab in Settings, allows moving the transparency level from a more opaque version to an extremely clear one, dubbed 'More Clear'. The update follows initial criticism about text legibility, which had prompted Apple to make the effect more opaque in subsequent updates. Now, with iOS 27, control returns to the user.
The transparency slider in the iOS 27 beta
To enable maximum transparency, go to Settings, tap Appearance, and select Liquid Glass. A slider appears: dragging it left increases transparency, right decreases it. Those who prefer a more traditional look can still use the 'Reduce Transparency' and 'Increase Contrast' options. The novelty is that transparency can now exceed default levels, offering a bolder visual experience.
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A week of living with maximum Liquid Glass
Testers immediately cranked the slider to the max, spending seven days with the clearest interface possible. The effect is striking: chat names in apps like Slack warp behind the menu bar, creating a play of colors and shapes that gives the iPhone a sense of three-dimensional depth. This echoes the parallax effect of iOS 7, which used the gyroscope to make icons float above the wallpaper. According to reports, the feeling is that of a device that lives and breathes, almost like a moving work of art.
Legibility and gradual adaptation
Despite the apparent visual chaos, legibility is rarely compromised: the most transparent elements tend to be confined to menu bars or secondary details, while main content remains crisp. After a few days, the effect becomes so natural that users risk forgetting it is enabled. For those with accessibility needs, the slider can easily be returned to more opaque settings.
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This change, though less flashy than the Siri overhaul in iOS 27, represents an important step for the operating system's aesthetics. Apple has shown it listens to feedback, offering customization that satisfies both bold design lovers and those prioritizing functionality. For more details on other iOS 27 features, such as the Siri redesign, read our article on iOS 27 Siri saves all chats. For broader context on iOS evolution, see the Wikipedia page on iOS.
