iOS 26 Liquid Glass Design Sparks User Backlash and Performance Concerns

Apple released its iOS 26 update two days ago. The new Liquid Glass design is its most significant visual overhaul in years. User reactions are intensely divided across online forums and social media.

Many early adopters are reporting significant issues with the new interface. Complaints range from sluggish performance to major readability problems.

Widespread User Critiques Emerge

Users on MacRumors, Reddit, and Apple Support Communities are vocal. A long list of complaints has surfaced since the update became available. Many center on performance and visual discomfort.

Animations are reportedly slow and cause interface lag. This is especially true on older iPhone models. The constant color shifts and animations are also called distracting.

Many find the new design aesthetically unappealing. Critics describe it as “cartoony” and resembling a “Barbie phone.” Basic actions now require more taps, frustrating some users.

Performance and Readability Top Complaint List

Serious functionality concerns are also being raised. Users report awful contrast and blurry app icons. Notifications are now harder to read due to the new transparent effects.

The design inconsistency is another major point. Some UI elements are flat while others have the new glass look. Highlights on buttons and icons are not applied uniformly.

According to user reports, the visual payoff does not justify the system overhead. The effects are too subtle for the performance cost they incur. This has led to calls for an option to disable the feature entirely.

Historical Precedent and Supportive Voices

Some users recall the similar backlash against iOS 7’s flat design a decade ago. That update was also widely panned initially before users adapted. Apple refined that design over subsequent updates without reversing course.

Not all feedback is negative. Some beta testers and new users are praising Liquid Glass. They find it modern, clean, and fun compared to previous flat designs.

Supporters say it makes the iPhone feel faster and more satisfying to use. They appreciate the Lock Screen keypad’s bubble-like appearance. The technological achievement of the light refraction effects is also noted.

How to Mitigate the Liquid Glass Effects

Apple does not offer a full opt-out for Liquid Glass. Users can, however, tone down its most intense effects. The “Reduce Transparency” accessibility setting eliminates much of the translucency.

Increasing display contrast further helps with readability issues. Using both settings together provides a experience closer to iOS 18. This workaround is being widely shared among frustrated users.

The divisive iOS 26 Liquid Glass design update highlights the challenge of overhauling a familiar interface. While history suggests users may adapt, current feedback indicates significant performance and aesthetic hurdles for Apple to address.

Info at your fingertips

How can I turn off Liquid Glass in iOS 26?

There is no official off switch. You can greatly reduce its effects by enabling Reduce Transparency and increasing contrast in the Accessibility settings. This will make the interface less translucent.

Does Liquid Glass drain iPhone battery life?

Apple states that any major iOS update can temporarily impact battery life. The new animations may use more resources, potentially leading to shorter battery life initially, especially on older devices.

Is this similar to the iOS 7 update?

Yes. The iOS 7 shift to a flat design was equally divisive. Apple received intense criticism but stuck with the design, refining it over time instead of reverting it.

Will Apple change Liquid Glass based on feedback?

Apple typically refines new designs in subsequent point updates. While a full reversal is unlikely, future iOS 26.x updates will likely optimize performance and tweak visual elements based on user reports.

Trusted Sources: MacRumors, Apple Support Communities.