Apple seems to be acknowledging that some users prefer not to use see-through displays.

Even settings have issues. Although some aspects still seem polished, finding items in the simple layout might be annoying. A more shaded alternative, therefore, seems like a good middle ground, and it seems some people concur.

Liquid Glass has split opinions, as shown by a recent survey. Around 31% of users adore the transparent aesthetic, 26% are looking forward to the colored option, and 18% simply dislike it. It appears that there is no universal solution, and people desire choices rather than assumptions.

Apple now seems to understand this. By providing users with a choice, the business is recognizing that the "perfect interface" is not shared by everyone. While this is not a significant redesign, it is important because it demonstrates Apple's attentiveness.

A somewhat tinted version of the Liquid Glass appearance may be more appealing to a larger audience. After all, clarity is crucial on a smartphone. That minor adjustment may be the difference between enjoying your phone and silently detesting it every time you open a tab.

A subtle but significant update

Users of iOS 26.1 will enjoy the benefits of iOS 26, including an enhanced Camera app, an improved Phone app, more intelligent Visual Intelligence, and adjustable spatial wallpapers and Lock Screen setup. In addition, a new option will make the parts that people dislike less cluttered.

However, it begs the question of why Apple initially released Liquid Glass, knowing it could be controversial, particularly after the "upgraded Siri" controversy and the still-incomplete Apple Intelligence rollout.

Liquid Glass appears to be somewhat incomplete upon closer inspection, and this new update almost confirms it. Perhaps that is the goal. Maybe Apple is preparing for something larger and testing the waters to determine whether people are ready for it or even desire it.

The all-screen iPhone?

Liquid Glass may be the initial stage toward the speculated all-screen iPhone, which is expected to arrive in a few years. The objective is to make the software and hardware seem like a single, continuous surface that is more fluid, transparent, and seamless.

Rumors suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro may have a "transparent" exterior, while iOS 27 may emphasize that aesthetic. If we use our imaginations, this might all lead to a see-through iPhone, though it is debatable whether anybody requested it.

Is a phone with a see-through screen even possible? What else is included in iOS 26.1?

The new Liquid Glass option is not the only feature coming. The iOS 26.1 update will also include a "slide to stop" option for alarms and timers, support for additional Apple Intelligence languages, and a redesigned Apple TV app icon.

There is also a little but helpful new option under Settings called "Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera" that allows users to disable the quick swipe-left action if it is frequently activated by mistake.

Overall, the update is not groundbreaking, but it is acceptable. The iOS 26.1 release is not intended to be massive, since iOS 26 has already made a significant improvement. This version is more of a polishing pass, which is precisely what it needed to be.