Apple’s Liquid Glass interface improves with release of iOS 26 Beta 2

Apple has rolled out the second beta of iOS 26, addressing critical feedback regarding its innovative Liquid Glass interface, which debuted at WWDC 2025. This new design aims to refresh the visual aesthetics of iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices by mimicking the optical effects of glass, such as light refraction and translucency. However, initial testers of iOS 26 swiftly highlighted issues with this updated interface, particularly concerning readability and usability. One major complaint revolved around the Control Center, which became challenging to navigate due to its semi-transparent nature, blending seamlessly with the Home Screen beneath. Users expressed their frustrations on social media, showcasing images that illustrated the difficulties in distinguishing buttons and sliders from the icons overlaying them. In response, Apple has made significant improvements in the latest beta, notably enhancing the background blur in the Control Center. This adjustment helps to better obscure the Home Screen content, thereby improving the visibility of the Control Center’s elements. Early feedback suggests that the updates are a step in the right direction, although some users believe further refinements are necessary. Additionally, notifications, which were also criticized for lacking clarity in the first beta, have seen some enhancements in the new iteration, with sharper text, although they still require further optimization, especially on lighter backgrounds. Users have expressed a desire for more personalization options in the Control Center, advocating for the ability to customize layouts and adjust transparency levels to avoid a uniform look. While these changes are promising, they are not final, as Apple is expected to release the complete version of iOS 26 later this fall. Other new features introduced in Beta 2 include an Accessibility section on App Store product pages, iCloud sync for the Journaling app on iPads, enhanced order tracking in Apple Wallet, and the debut of an Apple Music Radio widget, among other improvements.