The iOS 26 Liquid Glass update was one of the most problematic iOS releases ever. It is marred by inconsistencies and design decisions that lead to several user interface and readability issues.
One of the issues that was more noticeable on older Apple devices with SDR screens, including the iPad mini, iPhone SE, iPhone 11 and earlier models, was the fluid glow effect that caused text and certain interface elements to become unreadable when interacting with them.
Apple adds a new fix in iOS 26.4 developer beta 4
After releasing iOS 26, Apple listened to user feedback and provided options to reduce the Liquid Glass effect. One of the most prominent options was introduced with the iOS 26.1 update, which allowed users to switch from the default “Clear” theme to a “Tinted” theme.
In the latest developer beta 4 of iOS 26.4, Apple added another setting called Reduce Bright Effects, which minimizes highlights and flashes when interacting with on-screen elements such as buttons or the keyboard.
These flashing effects were particularly noticeable on Apple devices with SDR screens, as an X user showed in his post.
If this effect bothered you, you can finally turn it off with the new setting.
How to turn on the Reduce Bright Effects setting on iPhone
The new setting was released as part of Apple’s developer beta program. To get it you must have the latest iOS 26.4 Developer Beta 4 version. Once you’ve updated your device, go to Settings → Accessibility ⇾ Display and text size and turn on the “Reduce Bright Effects” settings toggle.
If you’re not running the developer beta on your iPhone, which I don’t recommend installing on your main device, you’ll have to wait for the public beta or stable release, which should arrive in about two weeks.
