By Grok News Desk September 22, 2025
Apple’s latest mobile operating system, iOS 26, has officially rolled out, bringing with it a slew of updates aimed at enhancing user experience through smarter AI integrations, improved privacy controls, and refined performance. But amid the buzz, one feature stands out as the undeniable star: Liquid Glass. Touted by Apple as a revolutionary design language that blends fluidity with optical realism, Liquid Glass promises to make your iPhone’s interface feel more alive and immersive than ever before. With its debut just days ago, users and tech enthusiasts are already divided. Is this glassy overhaul a game-changer, or just another layer of unnecessary polish? Let’s dive in.
What Exactly Is Liquid Glass?
At its core, Liquid Glass is Apple’s new visual design system that mimics the properties of real glass—think reflection, refraction, and a sense of depth that reacts in real time to what’s beneath it. It’s not just cosmetic; it’s dynamic. Elements like app icons, toolbars, and navigation bars now “fluidly morph” based on your interactions, shrinking or expanding to prioritize content. For instance, in apps like Apple Music or Podcasts, tab bars shrink as you scroll, creating more screen real estate while maintaining a sleek, transparent aesthetic.
This feature extends across the ecosystem, affecting the Lock Screen, Control Center, and even CarPlay. App icons on the Home Screen get a multi-layered treatment, available in light, dark, tinted, or fully clear “glass” looks that can auto-switch with Dark Mode or even match your wallpaper or MagSafe case color. Controls like buttons and sliders gain subtle animations, and there’s even a new magnifier loupe for precise text editing that embodies this glassy fluidity.
Apple describes it as enhancing “everyday interactions” to make them more delightful, drawing inspiration from past design eras like macOS Aqua’s glossy vibes but with modern, real-time dynamism. It’s also highly customizable, allowing users to tweak transparency levels or disable certain effects via Accessibility settings.
The Hype: Pros of Liquid Glass
Early adopters are praising Liquid Glass for breathing new life into iOS. The parallax effects, transparency, and lively animations make the interface feel premium and responsive. One user on X called it “pretty neat,” evoking nostalgia for Windows Vista’s Aero glass effects. Another highlighted how the OS feels “snappy” with faster app openings and no noticeable battery drain, crediting the design for a more minimalistic, leveled-up look.
Functionally, it shines in subtle ways: The Control Center’s Bluetooth panel unfolds smoothly, and the Lock Screen keypad glows for quicker access if Face ID fails. Developers are jumping on board too. Over 30 third-party apps, including Widgetsmith, Carrot Weather, and Overcast, have already updated to support Liquid Glass, integrating its transparent widgets and icons for a cohesive experience. For customization fans, the ability to make icons see-through or tint-matched adds a fresh layer of personalization, making your Home Screen blend seamlessly with your wallpaper.
In videos and hands-on demos, the feature looks stunning—clean, modern, and reminiscent of high-end UI designs from the past, but optimized for today’s hardware.
The Backlash: Cons and User Complaints
Not everyone is sold. Critics argue that Liquid Glass prioritizes style over substance, introducing issues that detract from usability. A major gripe is the refractive filter applied to app icons, which adds a “soft, glowy layer” that can make them appear smudged or foggy—especially on bright backgrounds. One X user quipped that it turns icons into “Foggy Shower Door Glass,” making them harder to distinguish at a glance.
The optional clear icon mode has drawn particular ire. While innovative, it can render simple icons (like Instagram’s) nearly invisible against complex wallpapers, leading to frustration in locating apps. TechRadar called it “bewildering” and noted it ruins the Home Screen’s clarity, one of the iPhone’s most important features.
Accessibility concerns are mounting too. Some users report vertigo, eye strain, or a “mareo” (dizziness) effect from the dynamic refractions, echoing complaints from past glossy UIs. Reddit threads highlight how the glowing corners on icons create a “crooked” appearance, drawing widespread criticism. Even fans admit it takes time to adjust, with one describing the “nuanced” feel as initially off-putting.
Hacker News discussions label it “awful in many ways,” and some users are delaying updates altogether, fearing their older devices won’t handle the visual demands well. Bugs in the rollout haven’t helped, with calls to focus on fixes over flashy features.
User Feedback: A Mixed Bag
Scrolling through X, opinions are polarized. Positive takes include “Loving the Liquid Glass” with screenshots showing its aesthetic appeal, and comparisons to beloved retro designs like Aqua or Aero. On the flip side, rants about its readability dominate, with tips circulating on how to “weaken” or disable it via settings like Reduce Transparency.
Japanese users noted its rollout in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, with access rankings showing high interest, while global feedback includes calls for more contrast tweaks. Overall, it’s a love-it-or-hate-it addition, much like past UI overhauls.
Verdict: Worth the Hype?
Liquid Glass is undeniably ambitious, pushing iOS toward a more artistic, interactive future. For those who crave customization and visual flair, it’s a worthy upgrade—especially with growing app support. But for productivity-focused users or those sensitive to motion, the hype might fall flat amid usability hiccups and accessibility woes.
If you’re on the fence, start with the beta or tweak settings post-update. Apple has a history of refining features based on feedback, so expect patches soon. In the end, Liquid Glass shines brightest for aesthetes, but it might leave others feeling a bit… refractive.
What do you think? Share your iOS 26 experiences in the comments below.