MimimatthewsCapemay wrote:
Did everything I was told to do trying to brighten the keyboard to a bolder contract from the great response on the message screen … I just installed 26.2 today and that’s when most things have a white background … obviously I think it’s the new “Liquid Glass” look … did change from clear to tint on the brightness under general … no help … it’s just so bland on mail, messages probably only two … just have to deal with it … wish I didn’t install 26.2
Liquid Glass has indeed changed many of the visual aspects of iPadOS - the relative contrast of on-screen keyboard being just one area within which these changes may be particularly noticeable.
Rolling-back to an earlier version of iOS/iPadOS is not possible. All System Updates are digitally signed by Apple - and can only be installed whilst the digital signatures remain valid. After release of a new iOS/iPadOS version, the immediately preceding version continues to be digitally signed by Apple - however, usually within a few days, Apple will revoke the digital certificate with which the earlier version is signed.
Perhaps consider that iOS/iPadOS updates include both functional and essential security updates. Restoring an earlier version of the OS would expose your device, privacy and data to emerging and known security threats and vulnerabilities.
Liquid Glass
iOS/iPadOS 26.1 introduced a new setting that subtly changes the appearance of Liquid Glass:
Settings > Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass - select Clear or Tinted
If you are experiencing challenges with the new Liquid Glass UI, there are settings that can significantly improve the appearance and suppress the majority of unwanted effects:
- Settings > Accessibility > [Vision] Display & Text Size > Reduce Transparency - set to ON
- Settings > Accessibility > [Vision] Display & Text Size > Increase Contrast - set to ON
- Settings > Accessibility > [Motion] Reduce Motion - set to ON
Each if these settings can be used individually, or in combination. Setting Reduce Transparency alone (1) will likely suppress the majority of potential issues. The Reduce Motion setting (3), if used, will eliminate the "lensing" effects of the Liquid Glass UI. Experiment; you should find a combination that works for you.
I suggest that you begin with setting Reduce Transparency to ON - and then, if needed, experiment with additional use of one or more of the other options.
NB: The new Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass setting can only be changed/toggled while Reduce Transparency is set to OFF. You might find that setting Liquid Glass to Clear, prior to enabling Reduced Transparency to ON, may give the best result.
Liquid Glass will undoubtedly continue to evolve throughout the lifespan of iOS/iPadOS 26. Hopefully, Apple will provide additional controls over time to refine the visual aspects to suit the individual needs of end-users. Many have commented that while Liquid Glass is "pretty", it is arguably form over function - reducing legibility and usability for some users. Some here also strongly advocate for this new look; others express dislike, or have significant difficulty with its legibility.
If you have any constructive feedback concerning Liquid Glass, or would lime to see changes or additional flexibility in its configuration, you should submit comments via Apple's Product Feedback portal. For iPad:
Feedback - iPad - Apple