Two days after the release of iOS 26, the new interface called Liquid Glass has sparked a flood of criticism on forums and social media. While some praise its refreshing modernization, others condemn it for reduced readability, overly heavy animations, and a design perceived as gimmicky.
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A Torrent of Criticism for Liquid Glass
Any major aesthetic change in iOS brings its share of debates, but the controversy surrounding Liquid Glass is especially significant. On Reddit, Apple forums, tech websites, Meta groups, and X, the list of complaints is extensive: slow animations, unstable interface, graphical inconsistencies, unreadable notifications, and increased battery consumption. Some users even mockingly refer to it as iPhone Barbie, criticizing a visually flashy effect that burdens the daily user experience.
The critiques also focus on the inconsistency of the visuals: some icons appear sharp and bright, while others seem blurry or poorly contrasted. The addition of reflections, bubbles, and deformations makes the overall interface distracting and, according to several accounts, slows down older iPhone models.
But… You Get Used to It
Despite this barrage of criticism, a segment of the community still defends this new visual update. On forums, some argue that it takes time to acclimate to such a significant redesign. Many applaud a modern and light
aesthetic that breaks away from the cold minimalism of iOS 18.
For others, the depth effect and light refraction represent a technological feat that adds a bit of zest to the iPhone. The lock screen keyboard, described as a series of interactive bubbles, and dynamic notifications provide a playful and refreshing touch.
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A Risky Gamble for Apple
Liquid Glass has quickly become one of the most polarizing designs in the history of iOS. For Apple, the challenge will be to reassure puzzled users while maintaining the novelty effect that accompanies each major update. Between technological advancement and ergonomic constraints, time will tell if Liquid Glass becomes a lasting hallmark of iOS’s visual identity—or an experiment soon mitigated by future fixes.
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