Apple has rolled out iOS 26.2, introducing a new feature that allows users to adjust the transparency of their Lock Screen clock. This update directly addresses ongoing user feedback regarding the 'Liquid Glass' design language, offering more control over the visual interface and making the iPhone clock less "glassy" if desired.
The 'Liquid Glass' design, launched with iOS 26, transformed various interface elements like buttons, sliders, and notifications into semi-transparent, light-refracting components. While intended to modernize Apple's operating systems and potentially pave the way for future AI smartglasses integration, the aesthetic received mixed reviews. Many users found the transparency made key information, such as notifications or artist names in Apple Music, difficult to read. In response, Apple previously released an update with iOS 26.1, providing a system-wide slider to reduce the opacity of Liquid Glass elements, allowing users to revert their interface to a more 'frosted' appearance.
With iOS 26.2, Apple extends this customization to the Lock Screen clock specifically. Users can now utilize a dedicated slider to control the 'glassiness' of the clock, offering a granular adjustment rather than a global interface change. This marks the second instance of Apple providing tools to dial back the transparency of its Liquid Glass design, indicating a responsiveness to user experience concerns.
These ongoing adjustments to the Liquid Glass design are particularly noteworthy given recent leadership changes within Apple's design team. Earlier this month, Alan Dye, the design executive credited with spearheading the Liquid Glass makeover, departed Apple for Meta. He has been replaced by Stephen Lemay, a long-time Apple designer with a career focused on interface and interaction design – a skillset arguably well-suited to refining user interface elements like Liquid Glass.
to commemorate alan dye moving from apple to meta, here's one of his best quotes pic.twitter.com/QnqaDRcYeh
— juan (@juanbuis) December 4, 2025
Other New Features in iOS 26.2
Beyond the Liquid Glass customization, iOS 26.2 brings a host of other new features and improvements:
- AirDrop Codes: Users can now generate AirDrop codes to share files with individuals not in their contacts, temporarily adding them as a 'known' AirDrop contact for 30 days. This is ideal for professional or temporary sharing scenarios.
- Reminders Alarms: The Reminders app now supports alarms, enhancing its utility for timely notifications.
- Apple News & Music: Apple News gains a 'Following' tab in its bottom navigation bar, along with other navigation enhancements. Apple Music introduces offline lyrics, allowing users to view lyrics without an internet connection.
- Podcasts App: The Podcasts app receives significant updates, including AI-generated chapters for episodes, a 'Podcast Mention' feature for linking to other shows, and various other improvements.
- Apple Watch Sleep Score: Apple Watch owners will now receive a comprehensive Sleep Score, evaluating sleep quality and progress towards sleep goals.
Critical Security Updates
In addition to these feature enhancements, Apple also rolled out crucial security updates across its entire product lineup, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TVs, and Apple Watches. These patches address vulnerabilities that were actively being exploited in hacking campaigns, underscoring Apple's commitment to user security.
