iOS 26 and its new Liquid Glass design have triggered one of the biggest debates around Apple’s interface changes in years. The new look leans heavily on translucent layers, dynamic gradients, and fluid animations that aim to feel more futuristic. However, some users have not found the new look and feel to their liking, with some saying that even though it looks striking, it comes at the cost of usability and performance. Reports suggest that iOS 26 comes with sluggish animations, lag on older iPhone models, and a sense that the platform no longer feels responsive as a whole.
Apple’s new Liquid Glass redesign in iOS 26 faces criticism for reduced readability, slower performance, and limited user control
Even though some people like it, another widespread complaint is that Liquid Glass interferes with readability, an issue that was first reported right after Apple seeded the first beta of iOS 26 to developers back in June. The company made changes to the background blur, but it appears that some users are still not getting used to it. The blurred icons, shifting shades, and low-contrast areas can make it quite difficult to read the notifications or even type on the keyboard, since translucency is part of the overall redesign.
Some users have also pointed out that basic actions now require more taps than before, which slows down processes that did not take time before. Moreover, customers have also expressed their frustration that Apple has not given users the option to turn off Liquid Glass altogether. However, if you are hellbent on moving away from translucency, you can always reduce the glass effect for better readability, and you can check out our detailed guide on how to do it. Even so, the effect is only reduced and does not give users what they are asking for. People have shared their discomfort with the new version on Apple Support Communities as well as Reddit.
We believe that Apple will not give users the option to toggle the feature off, as the design stretches across its entire product line and will be translated into future products, the iPhone Air being one example. If you are a long-time iPhone user, you must already be familiar with the criticism. We first heard reminiscing remarks when iOS 7 was first launched, when Apple let go of the 3D view in favor of a flat design language. Users complained about confusing visuals and thin fonts, but over the years, it became the foundation of Apple’s modern interface.
Some critics now wonder whether Liquid Glass will go through the same cycle of getting used to. Possibly, future iterations of the platform will implement subtle changes that would offset the impacts of the glass effects, but as of now, the company is going to stick to the translucency.
From my perspective, Apple has taken a giant leap forward, gambling to balance the new Liquid Glass redesign with the added functionality to give the platform more personality. The same approach would allow the company to set itself apart from Android’s more minimal look and feel. On the flip side, Apple has also alienated some users in favor of design and visuals over clarity and speed. Do you think Apple will revert to a flat design anytime soon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
