Your iPhone, Your Rules: iOS 26 Unlocks Control Over the 'Liquid Glass' Effect!

For years, iPhone users have had a love-hate relationship with one of Apple's more visually striking, yet sometimes polarizing, features: the 'Liquid Glass' effect, officially known as the Depth Effect or Depth Wallpaper. Introduced with iOS 16, this clever visual trick allows elements like the clock on your lock screen to subtly recede behind subjects in your chosen wallpaper photo, creating a stunning sense of depth.

While many embraced its artistic flair, a vocal segment of users found it distracting, cumbersome, or simply preferred a more traditional, unobstructed view of their wallpaper.

The good news? Apple has listened! With the highly anticipated release of iOS 26, users are finally being handed the reins of customization.

This latest update introduces a much-requested toggle, empowering you to either tone down or completely disable the 'Liquid Glass' effect, tailoring your iPhone's aesthetic precisely to your liking.

This isn't just about visual preference; it's a significant step towards enhanced user control and accessibility.

Before iOS 26, if the Depth Effect was automatically applied to your wallpaper, there was no straightforward way to turn it off without choosing a different image that didn't trigger the effect. This limitation frustrated users who loved their chosen wallpaper but disliked the depth manipulation.

So, how do you reclaim control over your iPhone's display? The process is refreshingly simple and intuitive, fitting right into Apple's user-friendly design philosophy.

Here's your step-by-step guide:

1. Open Settings: Tap on the 'Settings' app icon on your iPhone's home screen.
2. Navigate to Wallpaper: Scroll down and tap on 'Wallpaper'.
3. Customize Current Wallpaper: Here, you'll see a preview of your current lock screen and home screen wallpapers.

   Tap on 'Customize' for the lock screen.

4. Discover the Depth Effect Toggle: Within the customization options, you will now find a new, prominent 'Depth Effect' toggle. Simply switch this toggle to the 'Off' position to disable the liquid glass effect.

Turning off the Depth Effect will immediately flatten your wallpaper, bringing the clock and other lock screen elements forward, ensuring nothing is obscured.

This newfound flexibility means you no longer have to compromise on your favorite photos or tolerate a visual effect that doesn't align with your personal taste. It’s a subtle but powerful change that underscores Apple’s commitment to refining the user experience based on community feedback. Enjoy a truly personalized iPhone experience, exactly the way you want it!