Feeling frustrated with those overly-shiny Liquid Glass effects? Well, Apple's latest updates to its operating systems – iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and even the HomePod software – are here to help! The new 26.1 updates, released after several weeks of testing, bring some much-needed tweaks and enhancements. Remember that this is the first major update since the new unified year-based version numbering system was introduced this fall.
This isn't just a simple bug fix; it's a significant step towards refining the user experience. These updates address the common issues and early hiccups that inevitably accompany any major operating system launch.
One of the most exciting additions across multiple platforms is the new translucency control for Liquid Glass. Now, you can adjust the intensity of the effect. You can choose the default 'Clear' look for that sleek, transparent vibe, allowing the content beneath to shine through. Or, you can opt for the new 'Tinted' look, which provides a more opaque background, softening the appearance and improving readability.
For iPad users, there's a welcome return: an updated version of the Slide Over multitasking mode. This feature lets you quickly summon and dismiss individual apps on top of your current ones with simple swipes. While the iPadOS 26 version has some functional changes – like making it slightly trickier to switch between Slide Over apps – the window can now be moved and resized just like any other app window in iPadOS 26. But here's where it gets controversial... some users may find the new Slide Over implementation less intuitive than the previous one.
What do you think of these updates? Are you excited about the new Liquid Glass controls, or do you have a different opinion? Let us know in the comments!
