iOS 26 Liquid Glass Design Sparks User Complaints Over Crooked App Icons

Apple’s new iOS 26 update is facing user backlash. The innovative Liquid Glass interface is causing a strange visual problem. Many users report their app icons appear crooked or tilted.

This optical illusion is causing disorientation for some. The issue is gaining significant attention on social media and tech forums. Users are urging Apple to provide a fix.

Understanding the Liquid Glow Effect

Liquid Glass adds subtle glowing effects to icon corners. It creates a dynamic, glass-like appearance with depth. This design is intended to provide a modern, refined look.

However, this aesthetic choice has an unintended consequence. The refractive corners and parallax effects can trick the eye. According to Gizmodo, the result is a persistent feeling that icons are slanted.

Many users find this effect highly distracting. Some even report feelings of dizziness. The problem is most noticeable against dark or black backgrounds.

User Reactions and Potential Workarounds

Online communities are buzzing with complaints. A Reddit post on the topic received over 3,000 upvotes. One user called the entire iOS 26 experience an “optical nightmare.”

Another user joked the update made them feel drunk. The issue seems worse with specific icon settings. Dark, Clear, or Tinted modes exacerbate the problem.

Using colorful, busy wallpapers may help minimize the illusion. These backgrounds draw attention away from the icon edges. Unfortunately, standard accessibility settings offer little relief.

The “Reduce Motion” and transparency reduction options do not work. There is currently no dedicated setting to adjust the glow effect. Users are hoping for a software patch to address the concern.

The iOS 26 Liquid Glass design is undoubtedly striking. Yet its visual impact has proven problematic for a segment of users. This highlights the challenge of balancing innovation with universal usability.

Info at your fingertips

What is iOS 26 Liquid Glass?

Liquid Glass is a new interface design in iOS 26. It adds glowing, refractive effects to app icons. The goal was to create a sense of depth and realism.

Why do the icons look crooked?

The glow effect on the icon corners creates an optical illusion. Your brain interprets the light play as a tilt. This makes perfectly straight icons appear slanted.

Can I turn off the Liquid Glass effect?

There is no direct setting to disable Liquid Glass yet. Using a colorful wallpaper may help reduce the visual trick. Accessibility settings for motion do not fix the issue.

Is Apple aware of the problem?

Widespread reporting suggests Apple is likely aware. The company has not yet issued an official statement. A future software update may include a toggle for the feature.

Which iPhone models are affected?

All iPhones capable of running iOS 26 display the Liquid Glass design. The perception of crooked icons varies from person to person. It depends on individual visual perception.

Does this affect iPadOS 26 as well?

Yes, the Liquid Glass design is also present on iPadOS 26. The larger screen size may alter the visual experience. User reports on iPads are currently less frequent.