Apple fixes readability issues in iOS 26 Beta 2 update

On June 23, 2025, Apple Inc. released the second beta version of iOS 26, which included significant improvements to the Liquid Glass user interface introduced at WWDC 2025. This update was prompted by extensive feedback from early users who expressed concerns about the usability, particularly regarding elements in the Control Center and notifications that were hard to read. The adjustments made in Beta 2 aimed to enhance clarity by reducing background blur and improving the legibility of buttons and sliders, directly addressing the criticism. Beyond the user interface changes, this update introduced several new features aimed at improving user experience across Apple devices. Noteworthy inclusions were the addition of an Accessibility section on the App Store's product pages, enhancing support for users with disabilities. Support for iCloud syncing was also rolled out for the Journaling app on iPads, which enables users to gather their thoughts and experiences easily while keeping them available across devices. Furthermore, additions like a new Apple Music Radio widget and order tracking features in Apple Wallet were integrated, illustrating Apple’s commitment to offering a holistic user experience. Despite these improvements, the initial feedback indicated that many of the readability issues remain unresolved, particularly on lighter backgrounds. For instance, while notifications have become sharper in the recent update, users still find the elements difficult to identify due to the transparency blending with the background of Home Screen icons in certain situations. As the company continues to refine the Liquid Glass interface, ongoing feedback from testers will be crucial in shaping further iterations before the public release. The release comes at a time when Apple is navigating tough market conditions, with its stock experiencing a noticeable decline of 17.37% year-to-date. The modest recovery of 0.25% during regular trading and an additional 0.44% in after-hours trading suggests that investors are cautiously optimistic about the company's progress in both software and hardware improvements. Tech experts emphasize the importance of a user-friendly interface, indicating that while Apple strives for a modern aesthetic, functionality must always remain a priority.