How to Change Transparency Per App in iOS 15

With the release of iOS 15, Apple introduced Per-App Settings within its Accessibility suite, allowing users to customize visual settings—including transparency levels—for individual applications rather than applying them system-wide. This guide explains how this feature works and how to adjust the "Reduce Transparency" setting on an app-by-app basis.

The Per-App Settings Feature

Prior to iOS 15, accessibility features like "Reduce Transparency" were global toggles. Enabling the setting removed translucent backgrounds, blurs, and vibrancy effects across the entire operating system. iOS 15 changed this by introducing Per-App Settings, giving users granular control over their visual experience.

Through this menu, users can selectively apply "Reduce Transparency" to specific apps where interface elements cause legibility issues, while keeping the standard translucent design across the rest of the OS and other apps.

How to Adjust Transparency for Specific Apps

To customize transparency levels for an individual app on iOS 15:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and select Accessibility.
  3. Scroll to the very bottom of the Accessibility menu and tap Per-App Settings.
  4. Tap Add App and choose the application you want to customize from the list (you can also select Home Screen).
  5. Once added, tap the name of the app in your list.
  6. Select Reduce Transparency and choose your preferred setting:
    • Default: Follows the system-wide Accessibility setting.
    • On: Reduces blur and increases background opacity specifically for this app.
    • Off: Keeps standard iOS transparency effects active within this app, even if the system-wide setting is enabled.

Benefits of Per-App Transparency Controls

This targeted accessibility control addresses several common usability problems:

  • Improved Text Legibility: Users who struggle to read text overlaid on translucent or blurred backgrounds in specific apps can make those backgrounds solid.
  • Preserved System Aesthetics: Users can maintain the standard visual design and depth of iOS without sacrificing readability where it matters most.
  • Better Contrast Control: When paired with other per-app options like "Increase Contrast" and "Differentiate Without Color," adjusting transparency per app ensures high-contrast visibility strictly where needed.