macOS Tahoe 26 introduces a bold new visual style called the Liquid Glass design, giving system elements a more dynamic, glass-like appearance with fluid transitions, translucent surfaces, and layered visual depth.
While this updated aesthetic offers a modern and immersive experience, it may not be for everyone, especially users who prefer a simpler, more static interface or find animations visually distracting.
Right Way to Disable Liquid Glass Design in macOS Tahoe 26
Buried in the Accessibility section is a feature called “Reduce Transparency” that allows you to tone down the liquid glass design. In terms of functionality, it’s pretty much in line with the iOS Reduce Motion feature.
- To get going, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and choose System Settings.
- In the sidebar, scroll down and click on Accessibility.
- Under the Accessibility menu, click on Display.
- Find the option labeled Reduce Transparency and toggle it on.
Once enabled, Reduce Transparency will limit or disable many of the animations and transitions that contribute to the Liquid Glass effect, including interface zooming, parallax effects, and background blur transitions.
This results in a cleaner, more straightforward interface, similar to what longtime macOS users may be more familiar with.
This setting is particularly useful for individuals who experience motion sensitivity, as well as users who simply prefer a snappier, less animated macOS experience.
Keep in mind that while Reduce Motion disables most visual effects, some minor animations may still appear in select areas of the system.
With just a quick settings adjustment, macOS Tahoe 26 can be customized to suit your comfort, whether you’re a fan of visual flair or prefer simplicity and performance.
Needless to say, if you ever wish to get back this all-new macOS feature, return to the same Accessibility section and turn off the toggle next to “Reduce Transparency”.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I update macOS to the latest version?
- To update macOS, go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), then click General > Software Update. If an update is available, click Download and Install. Make sure your Mac is connected to power and has enough storage space before starting the update.
2. How can I take a screenshot on my Mac?
You can take a screenshot using these shortcuts:
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 3: Capture the entire screen
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 4: Capture a selected portion
- Command (⌘) + Shift + 5: Open the screenshot toolbar for more options
Screenshots are saved to your desktop by default.
3. How do I reset system settings on macOS?
- To reset macOS system settings, you can go to System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset, then choose Erase All Content and Settings. This option restores your Mac to factory settings. Be sure to back up your data using Time Machine or iCloud before performing a reset.
