Apple is preparing to release iOS 26.1 as early as November 4th or the following day, introducing a toggle to reduce the Liquid Glass visual effect that has faced user criticism since its introduction at WWDC 2025, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

Liquid Glass, Apple’s latest visual overhaul introduced at WWDC 2025, quickly drew user criticism regarding readability issues and lag caused by animations.

To address these concerns, Apple introduced a tinted setting option to its transparent redesign in iOS 26.1’s fourth beta.

The forthcoming update will expand this compromise by offering users greater control over the effect’s intensity.

Beyond the Liquid Glass toggle, iOS 26.1 will include an updated Apple TV icon and various bug fixes.

Gurman stated the update will be “more reliable, with fewer bugs” compared to iOS 26.0, though it won’t introduce groundbreaking features.

Gurman reported iOS 26.1 could roll out to users as early as Tuesday, with the first beta version of iOS 26.2 arriving for developers the following day.

Following Apple’s typical update pattern, macOS 26.1 and the first beta of watchOS 26.2 are expected to follow.

The Liquid Glass toggle represents Apple’s response to sustained user complaints about the visual redesign.

By offering an option to reduce the effect rather than eliminating it entirely, Apple attempts to balance its design vision with usability concerns raised by its user base.

The tinted setting previously introduced in beta testing provided a partial solution, with the full toggle offering more comprehensive control.

iOS 26.1 continues Apple’s incremental update approach, addressing user feedback and stability issues between major releases.

The quick turnaround from iOS 26.0 to 26.1 reflects Apple’s prioritisation of resolving the Liquid Glass controversy.

Australian iPhone users will receive the update simultaneously with global rollout.