Apple prepares slider adjustment to control Liquid Glass in iOS 27, says analyst

iOS 27

iOS 27 - DANIEL CONSTANTE/ Shutterstock.com

Interface customization is one of the aspects most valued by smartphone users. The search for a more malleable and adaptable system to individual preferences has guided many of the recent updates in the world of mobile technology. Apple, known for its controlled ecosystem, appears to be aware of this growing demand.

One of the next big things for the iOS 27 operating system could be the introduction of a slider to adjust the transparency of the Liquid Glass design language. The information, anticipated by Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, suggests a significant evolution in the way users interact with the iPhone’s visual elements. Instead of fixed options, the system will offer unprecedented granularity, allowing precise adjustment of translucency in various interface components.

Ajuste refined for system interface

In iOS 26, Apple implemented Liquid Glass with two predefined settings for transparency. Users could choose between “Clean” mode, which provided a completely transparent look, or “Tyed,” which added a slight tint to the background to improve contrast and readability. Essas choices were applied globally across the entire operating system, without the possibility of intermediate adjustments. The new proposal for iOS 27 aims to replace this dual approach with much more flexible control.

The change would allow users to use a slider bar, similar to those found in volume or brightness settings. Este feature, if confirmed, would represent a considerable advancement in the visual customization of Apple devices. The ability to adjust translucency to the exact intensity desired by users reflects the company’s effort to offer greater freedom of choice.

    Key points of the transition include:
  • iOS 26:Duas fixed transparency options (Limpo and Tingido).
  • iOS 27 (proposal):Controle slider for granular translucency adjustment.
  • Impacto:Maior visual customization and better adaptation to user preferences.
  • Objetivo:Melhorar the user experience by enabling an ideal balance between aesthetics and readability.

Desafios on extending functionality to the system

Mark Gurman pointed out that Apple has already explored the use of sliders for similar functions in other system components. An example is the lock screen clock, where users already have a type of bar for customization. However, extending this functionality to all other areas of the operating system has proven to be a considerable challenge for the company’s engineers.

Superar these technical hurdles are crucial for the Liquid Glass slider to be effectively integrated into iOS 27. If developers can resolve the complexities involved, the feature could be one of the highlights of the next version. Gurman highlighted that iOS 27, in general, should not bring radical changes to the interface. Ele predicts that the changes will be more incremental and gradual, focusing on evolving and improving the existing experience, without major visual revolutions that drastically alter users’ perception. The philosophy seems to be to refine what already works well, adding layers of customization and efficiency.

The Liquid Glass design language and its trajectory

Quando o Liquid Glass was introduced in iOS 26, it immediately became one of the most debated and talked about aspects of the update. While Embora’s design language was undeniably sleek and modern, some users and critics raised significant concerns about its practicality. The highly transparent look, in certain contexts, compromised the readability of the content displayed on the screen, especially on complex backgrounds or with many elements.

Apple has demonstrated a commitment to improving this functionality over subsequent updates. With each new minor version of iOS 26, the Liquid Glass’s appearance has been refined, with adjustments aimed at balancing aesthetics with functionality. Mesmo with these ongoing improvements, there is still a recognition that there is room for more direct user control. Implementing a slider would be a direct response to this feedback, allowing each person to find the transparency sweet spot that best suits their visual needs and device usage environment.

WWDC 2026 will present news from the next version

The official presentation of iOS 27 is scheduled for WWDC 2026 (Worldwide Developers Conference), Apple’s annual event aimed at developers. The conference is scheduled for June 8th this year, and updating the operating system for iPhones should be one of the central points of the opening ceremony. Tradicionalmente, WWDC is the stage where Apple reveals its software innovations, including new versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS.

Expectations are high to discover all the features and improvements that will be incorporated into iOS 27, and the Liquid Glass slider could be just one of the many new features focused on personalization and refinement of the user experience. The developer community and technology enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the announcements. The TecMundo portal, for example, confirmed that it will provide complete and detailed coverage of all important launches and announcements made during WWDC 2026, keeping the public informed about the latest trends and updates in the Apple universe.