iOS 26 Tips: Reduce Liquid Glass, Safari Search at Top & More
iOS 26 is now widely used – with a fresh design, new animations, and many small detailed improvements. Most users are happy with the update. But: Those who have been working with an iPhone for many years have grown accustomed to certain workflows.
The good news: Many changes in iOS 26 can be customized or set back to "how they used to be."
Here, we show you the most important settings to make iOS 26 even more useful – without disparaging the update. Because technically, it's a strong release.
1. Reduce Liquid Glass Effect
The new "Liquid Glass" look in iOS 26 creates transparent layers and stronger depth effects. It looks modern – but can appear a bit restless to some.
- Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size
- Activate Reduce Transparency
The interface immediately appears calmer and clearer – without having to forego the new design.
With "Reduce Transparency," iOS 26 looks significantly tidier
2. Move Safari Search Bar Back to Top
Many have gotten used to the bottom address bar by now – others want it back at the top.
- Settings → Safari
- Select "Tabs at Top"
Especially for long-time iPhone users, this immediately feels familiar again.
3. Save Screenshot Instantly Again
iOS 26 displays screenshots with a preview and editing option by default. If you just want to save quickly:
- Settings → General → Screen Capture & Screenshots
- Activate the "Save Directly" option
This way, the screenshot lands directly in the Photos app – without an intermediate step.
Save screenshots directly again without detours
4. Make Notifications Clearer
iOS 26 groups notifications more intelligently – but not everyone likes the new display.
- Settings → Notifications
- Adjust display format (List View or Stack)
This way, you regain familiar control.
5. Reduce Haptics and Animations
The new animations appear fluid but can subjectively seem "slower."
- Settings → Accessibility → Motion
- Activate "Reduce Motion"
This makes the iPhone react more directly and feel faster.
6. Customize Control Center
iOS 26 significantly expands the Control Center. If you prefer a more minimalist approach:
- Open Control Center → press and hold
- Remove or rearrange elements
Power users, in particular, benefit from this.
7. Use Focus Modes Effectively
Focus filters have been further improved in iOS 26. Instead of muting everything, you can specifically control:
- Which apps are visible
- Which people can get through
- Which home screen pages are active
Found under: Settings → Focus
8. Use Search Function More Targeted
The Spotlight search has been significantly expanded in iOS 26. If too many results are displayed:
- Settings → Siri & Search
- Adjust suggestions and app search behavior
This makes the search clearer and faster again.
9. Check Battery Consumption After Update
After major iOS updates, the system works in the background (indexing, photo analysis). This can temporarily consume more battery.
- Settings → Battery
This usually normalizes automatically after 1–2 days.
iOS 26 – Habit Meets Evolution
iOS 26 brings many improvements – especially under the surface. However, those who have been working with an iPhone for a long time don't have to "get used to" everything. Many things can be individually adjusted.
And that is precisely a strength of iOS: modern – but customizable.
Our Tip: Configure Together Instead of Getting Annoyed
If individual changes in iOS 26 bother you or you want your iPhone "as it used to be": Come by.
We'll look at your device together and adjust the most important settings right on-site – in Dornbirn, Götzis, or Bürs.
Tewodros Mandefro
Team Leader epos Branch at Garnmarkt
Our locations in Dornbirn, Götzis and Bürs
Here for you. Since 1996.
