A subtle shift occurred within the Apple ecosystem yesterday, one that initially felt like a retreat. The iOS 26.1 update introduced a simple toggle – a way to diminish the often-criticized transparency of Liquid Glass, the new interface style that arrived this summer.
But the story isn’t a surrender. While offering users an escape from the glassy effects, Apple simultaneously began reinforcing Liquid Glass’s foundation, quietly updating key app icons to fully embrace the new design language.
GarageBand, Photomator, and Pixelmator Pro all received new icons compatible with Liquid Glass on the very same day the toggle appeared. This wasn’t a coincidence; it was a calculated move, signaling Apple’s continued commitment to the aesthetic.
“Compatibility” with Liquid Glass means two distinct things. First, it’s about achieving the intended transparency. By customizing your iPhone’s home screen, you can choose icon styles like “Clear” or “Tinted,” activating the see-through effect – but only if the icon is designed to support it.
These updated icons are engineered to deliver that effect flawlessly, something many third-party and even Apple’s own apps haven’t yet accomplished. The App Store, iMovie, Keynote, Numbers, and Pages are all slated for similar visual overhauls, though they aren’t quite ready for public view.
Beyond the transparency, a more fundamental change is taking place. Apple is subtly moving away from the abstract iconography that defined iOS for over a decade, returning to a more representational style. Think realistic images instead of stylized shapes.
The new GarageBand icon exemplifies this shift, showcasing a detailed, photorealistic guitar. It’s a visual echo of the pre-iOS 7 era, a deliberate step back towards clarity and immediate recognition.
This isn’t a sudden pivot, but a continuation of long-planned initiatives. Apple doesn’t make rapid course corrections; it’s a massive organization where design changes take months to materialize. The marketing investment in Liquid Glass also wouldn’t be abandoned overnight.
The toggle isn’t a cancellation, but a compromise. Apple is offering users choice while simultaneously laying the groundwork for a future where Liquid Glass isn’t just an option, but a fully realized and seamlessly integrated part of the user experience.
