How to Get the Apple Liquid Glass Effect on iPhone with iOS 26

With the release of iOS 26, many iPhone users have noticed a fresh and modern change in design throughout their devices. One of the most talked-about features is Apple Liquid Glass effect. This effect has a clean, soft, layered texture on the iPhone interface, realizing a smooth and stylish look. I want to reflect this clear and soft design on the lock screen, home screen, widget, and other panels. If you are one of them, this guide is for you. What is this effect, where you can check on iOS 26, and how to apply it to your device.

Part 1: What Is the Apple Liquid Glass Effect?

The liquid glass effect on iPhone is a new visual style introduced by Apple on iOS 26. Add a soft, transparent layer on top of the screen. This feels like peering into a cloudy glass that changes subtly depending on what is behind it. The layer moves slightly according to the movement, giving the screen a quiet depth.

This idea is not completely new. Apple has used blurry backgrounds and soft shadows from iOS 7. But this time, we have further evolved this effect. In previous versions (e.g. iOS 15), the blur effect was static and limited to specific areas. The Liquid Glass effect of iOS 26 is clearer, more rounded and more dynamic.

Part 2: New Liquid Glass Visual Design in iOS 26

Apple has implemented multiple design changes on iOS 26, giving the interface a soft and sophisticated impression. The Liquid Glass effect can be found in many areas across the system. These changes are not limited to specific sections, and range from lock screens to home screens to widgets and control centers. Each part has a lighter and clearer texture, and the smartphone can be used more comfortably, making it an eye-friendly design.

Control Center

The control center now adopts a softer layout. Each toggle or button is placed on a layer like smooth glass. The blur effect changes according to the brightness of the wallpaper and screen, creating a sense of actual depth.

Widget

Both the home screen and the lock screen widget currently adopt the touch of "liquid glass." With a transparent layer on top of the wallpaper, the color and pattern of the wallpaper can be seen slightly.

Lock Screen

The iOS 26 lock screen has undergone significant evolution. Notifications, music players and widgets are all displayed with this clear effect. It is a more balanced design, and while everything stands out, its weight and flashiness are reduced.

App Panel

Some liquid glass design elements are also used for system apps such as settings, notes, messages, etc. You may not notice at first, but when you look closely, the layered design stands out.

Volume and brightness sliders, context menus and other pop-up elements are also designed with a soft transparency.

Part 3: How to Get the Liquid Glass Look on Your iPhone

If you've seen the Apple Liquid Glass effect tutorial on iOS 26 and want to apply the same look to your iPhone, you're not the only one. Many users are exploring how to set up. The good news is that Apple makes it easy to apply how to get iPhone liquid glass and some custom settings. This will tell you how to get the Liquid Glass look in iOS 26.

Step 1: Hold down the home screen

Hold down any location on the home screen and wait until the "Edit" button appears in the upper left corner of the screen.

Step 2: Select "Customize" option

Tap Customize and select Clear as the style.

Step 3: Choose Clear Dark or Clear Light

You will see the following options:

• Clear Dark: Make the screen transparent and display in a dark tone, but leave a little color on the app icon.
• Clear Light: Make everything look transparent and display in bright tones. Select Auto to switch between light and dark depending on the time of day.

Step 4: Make the Widget Transparent

This transparent effect can also be applied to the widget of the lock screen. Go to Settings > Wallpaper > Customization. Tap the large clock widget to display the font and color menu. At the bottom of the screen is an option to switch between Glass and Solid. If you want more transparency, slide the lower slider to the left edge. This makes the font look thinner and blend with the background.

Step 5: Adjust the Wallpaper to Improve the Look

Selecting the right wallpaper improves the appearance of icons and widgets. Landscape photographs, such as nature and urban landscape,s are compatible with this style. Turn off the blur effect to allow icons and folders to slightly change the appearance of the background. Go to Settings > Wallpaper > Customize and tap "Blur" on the bottom right of the screen to disable it. This makes the transparent design clearer.

Bonus Tip: Create Custom Liquid Glass-Style Visuals with HitPaw FotorPea

If you like Apple's Liquid Glass design and want to create your own design in a similar style, try the HitPaw FotorPea AI generator. This tool helps create smooth, glass-like visuals suitable for wallpapers, social media posts, app layouts, etc. It is easy to use and you can start immediately, even without design skills. Simply select a style and enter a few words, and the tool will generate the result. It is a good option if you want to reflect the design sense of iOS 26 in your project or personal content.

Key Features of HitPaw FotorPea

• AI-Powered Style Transfer

Transform your ideas into mesmerizing liquid glass art with FotorPea's smart style transfer. Just input your concept and watch the AI generate glossy, flowing textures that mimic the reflective beauty of real glass.

• Customizable Prompts for Artistic Control

Whether you're envisioning soft, pastel ripples or bold, futuristic swirls, HitPaw FotorPea lets you customize AI prompts to guide the creation. Perfect for turning abstract concepts into polished liquid glass visuals.

• High-Resolution Output for Professional Use

The AI generator produces artwork in high definition, ensuring that your liquid glass images remain sharp and vibrant-ideal for prints, wallpapers, or digital design.

• Built-in Image Enhancer for Glassy Effects

Take your liquid glass art a step further with the Magic Enhance and Colorize tools. These features boost contrast, enrich colors, and bring out the translucent, fluid shine typical of glass-based art.

• Multi-Function Tool Beyond Generation

HitPaw FotorPea isn't just an AI generator-it also includes background remover, face retouch, photo upscaler, and more. After creating your liquid glass art, you can refine and enhance it all in one place.

Steps to Use HitPaw FotorPea to Generate Liquid Glass Art

Step 1: Launch the AI Generator

Click the Download button below to get started with HitPaw FotorPea's AI Generator.

Step 2: Enter Your Prompt

Type in a prompt describing what you'd like the AI to create. Need inspiration? Choose from our preset prompts and click Replace Prompt to switch it up.

On the right panel, you can also upload an image from your computer. The AI will use your prompt and the uploaded image to generate customized artwork.

Step 3: Generate Your AI Image

Once your prompt is set, select your preferred image size, resolution, and art style. Then, hit the Generate button. HitPaw FotorPea offers a wide variety of styles-from realistic sketches and oil paintings to imaginative digital art-to bring your vision to life.

Step 4: Preview and Download

The tool will create two AI-generated images in similar styles. The time it takes may vary depending on image size and server speed. Click on any image to preview it. When you're ready, hit the Download icon on your favorite artwork to save it to your computer.

Conclusion

The Apple Liquid Glass effect on iOS 26 adds a new visual style that combines cleanliness and smoothness. By combining blur, light and layers, we realize a design that gives a fresh impression but does not disturb. If you update to iOS 26, you can enjoy this effect throughout the system, from widgets to lock screens to control centers.. If you want to create more unique visuals, tools like HitPaw FotorPea are useful. If you know how it works, please try it. The iPhone is fresh, clean and will feel easier to use.