iOS 26 Is Here & Users Are Hating It
Published On: June 11, 2025
Apple’s latest mobile operating system, iOS 26, is shaping up to be one of their most controversial releases in years. Announced at WWDC 2025, the update introduces a bold new “Liquid Glass” design, an aesthetic overhaul that replaces iOS’s flat look with translucent, glossy UI elements. While Apple positions the redesign as a futuristic step forward, early user feedback suggests that many aren’t on board.
The Liquid Glass look is meant to make your iPhone feel more alive, using depth, transparency, and light reflection to bring a glass-like quality to app icons and menus. Across social media, early adopters of the developer beta describe the new interface as “visually cluttered,” “blurry,” and “hard to read.”
One major concern is legibility. The see-through menus often clash with background elements, making it harder to see text or navigate. Critics argue that the contrast issues could pose challenges for users with visual impairments, raising questions about accessibility. Some even say the UI feels like a throwback to outdated design experiments rather than a step forward.
Beyond the design, users are also reporting technical issues. On newer models like the iPhone 15 Pro, several people mention laggy animations, app crashes, overheating, and rapid battery drain. Older devices aren’t faring well either. iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max won’t be supported, and even phones like the iPhone 11 or 12 show performance drops in the beta.
Despite the criticism, iOS 26 does include several new features. There’s a redesigned camera app, live call translation, a smart battery monitoring system, and even markdown export in Notes. But many feel these additions are minor improvements rather than game-changers, and certainly not enough to justify the dramatic visual shift.
Some users say they’re sticking with iOS 18.5, at least for now. Others report they’ve already reverted after testing the beta, citing the UI as “unusable” or too chaotic. While it’s normal for developer betas to have bugs, the frustration stems from the feeling that Apple prioritized style over function. And unless changes are made before the public release in the fall, the update may alienate more users than it impresses.
Will Apple listen?
It’s unclear how much Apple plans to adjust the Liquid Glass interface before launch. The company has a history of sticking to its vision despite early criticism, something longtime iPhone users know well. But with a growing list of complaints about usability, accessibility, and stability, the pressure is on.