iOS 27 adds more control over Apple's Liquid Glass interface

Today's iOS 27 release gives users more ability to customise Apple's Liquid Glass visual language. One of the most visible additions is an opacity slider that allows people to choose between a clearer appearance and a more frosted interface. Apple is also refreshing icons across several built-in applications while expanding lock-screen and widget customisation. These changes may sound cosmetic compared with Siri AI, but interface design has become an important part of the smartphone-platform competition.

Apple historically changes its visual language relatively slowly because developers build thousands of applications around system conventions. Giving users more flexibility therefore represents a notable shift from the company's traditionally rigid approach. The larger widgets are also increasingly relevant on modern large-screen devices and the newly announced foldable iPhone Duo.

As smartphone hardware diversifies into conventional phones, tablets and folding screens, adaptable interface components become more important. iOS 27 is therefore laying software groundwork that extends beyond this year's standard iPhone lineup.