My Week of Transparent Living With Apple’s ‘More Clear’ Liquid Glass Setting

Apple recently released a public beta for iOS 27 that changes how the Liquid Glass interface appears on your iPhone. Users now have access to a specific slider in the Appearance settings that controls the transparency level of the system UI. While the original Liquid Glass design received criticism for its impact on text readability, this update puts the control back in the hands of the user.

Testing the "more clear" setting provides a distinct visual experience. The interface introduces subtle refractions and color distortions when notifications or menus overlap with background elements. This effect creates a sense of depth that feels familiar to longtime users of the platform, reminiscent of the parallax effects seen in earlier versions of the software. For those who prioritize a clean, opaque look, the slider moves easily in the opposite direction to reduce transparency.

After a week of using the maximum transparency setting, the novelty gives way to a functional design choice. The effect often stays in the peripheral areas of the screen, such as menu bars or notification banners, leaving the core content readable. It is a minor aesthetic adjustment, but one that highlights the ongoing evolution of the iPhone operating system. Whether you choose to prioritize visual flair or strict legibility, the settings menu provides the flexibility to adjust the display to your preferences.