HazeOver 1.9.7 Brings Liquid Glass and Control Center Support

HazeOver 1.9.7 arrived on 21 March 2026, bringing the long-running Mac window-dimming utility up to date for macOS 26 Tahoe. The release updates the app's look to match Tahoe's Liquid Glass design, makes HazeOver adjustable from Spotlight and Control Center, improves screen reader and keyboard support, and fixes a crash affecting people who use third-party menu bar managers. HazeOver does one thing: it dims every window except the one you're using. For anyone who works with lots of windows open, or finds a busy screen hard to concentrate on, that small change can make a real difference.

What's new in HazeOver 1.9.7

Updated for Tahoe and Liquid Glass

Version 1.9.7 improves compatibility with macOS Tahoe and refreshes HazeOver's appearance to fit Apple's Liquid Glass design. HazeOver 1.9.6 already worked on Tahoe, so this is about looking at home on the new system rather than fixing something broken.

Control from Spotlight and Control Center

You can now adjust HazeOver from Spotlight and Control Center, as well as from its own menu bar item. That makes it quicker to turn dimming up for a long reading session or switch it off when you need to see several windows at once.

Accessibility improvements

Following an audit against a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT), the developer improved screen reader support and keyboard navigation throughout the app. People who rely on VoiceOver or keyboard control should find the settings easier to use.

Menu bar manager fix

HazeOver could quit unexpectedly when used alongside a third-party menu bar manager. Version 1.9.7 fixes this, which matters because many people who customise their Mac also tidy their menu bar.

The developer lists each release on the HazeOver news page.

Since then

HazeOver 1.9.8, released in September 2026, adds support for macOS 27 Golden Gate. It extends the Spotlight integration so you can change settings and assign quick keys directly, fixes menu bar icon scrolling on macOS 27, and fixes an issue where clicking a Dock icon could leave several windows highlighted.

How HazeOver works

If you haven't used it before, HazeOver sits in the menu bar and puts a translucent shade over background windows, so the active window stands out. You can set how strong the dimming is and how quickly it animates, with separate settings for Light and Dark appearance. It supports multiple displays with per-display settings, and it can be automated with the Shortcuts app, Focus filters and AppleScript. Holding the Fn key temporarily disables dimming, which helps when dragging files between apps.

Why it matters for students

• Essay writing with sources open. When you have a Word or Pages document surrounded by PDFs, browser tabs and notes, dimming everything else makes it clear where you're typing and cuts visual noise.
• Tie it to a study Focus. With Focus filter support, HazeOver can switch on or strengthen when you enable a study Focus mode and relax when you finish, so you don't have to change it by hand.
• Coding and data work. Programmers juggling an editor, a terminal and documentation, or anyone switching between a spreadsheet and a statistics package, can see at a glance which window has the keyboard.
• Late-night revision. Dimming bright background windows alongside Dark Mode can make an evening session easier on the eyes.
• Accessible study setups. The improved VoiceOver and keyboard support in 1.9.7 helps students who depend on assistive technology to configure the app themselves.
• External monitor desks. Per-display settings suit a laptop connected to a second screen in a library or at home.

Requirements and upgrade details

• The current version of HazeOver requires macOS 13 Ventura or later, according to the developer.
• Version 1.9.7 is a point release in the existing 1.9 series, delivered as a standard update through the Mac App Store and the developer's own download.
• A free trial is available from the HazeOver website.

Get HazeOver with a student discount

Student App Centre members get 40% Off HazeOver. Head to our HazeOver student discount page to claim it. Not a member yet? Start a 7-day free trial of Student App Centre and explore discounts on a wide range of Mac and iOS apps.