Apple’s Controversial iOS Overhaul: What They’ve Changed Will Shock Every User’s Eyes

So, Apple just dropped a sneak peek of iOS 26 at their Worldwide Developer Conference, promising to dazzle us with a shiny new design called Liquid Glass. Sounds fancy, right? Think translucent, glass-like screens that reflect and morph with their surroundings—like your phone just stepped out of a sci-fi movie. But here’s the kicker: instead of oohs and aahs, many folks are squinting at their screens, wondering if Apple’s “beautiful” new look is actually a recipe for eye strain and confusion. Does anyone else think they’re inviting us all to stare through a steamed-up bathroom mirror while scrolling? And seriously, if your phone’s about to look like it’s wearing sunglasses indoors, can you opt out or are we stuck peering through the glass forever? The Internet’s buzzing with hot takes and heated debates—because nothing says “tech revolution” like a divide between “Wow, this is cool” and “Why do I have to see what’s behind my apps?!” Buckle up, this one’s gonna be a wild ride. LEARN MORE

People aren’t that impressed by Apple’s preview of the upcoming iOS update which is set to completely change the appearance of our screens.

The tech giant gave iPhone users a sneak peek of the software which will become available later this year at the annual Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday (9 June).

As well as unveiling a host of new helpful features set to come to our devices, the firm’s CEO Tim Cook also revealed that the design of our home screens is also getting a revamp.

Promising the ‘beautiful’ design will make the experience of using an iPhone even more ‘expressive and delightful’, Apple explained it is all thanks to a ‘new material’ called Liquid Glass.

We won’t just see this on our mobiles either, as the feature will be introduced on iPads, Macs, Apple Watches and Apple TVs too.

The Liquid Glass update was announced at the Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

What is the new Apple design?

One of the most dramatic revelations to emerge from Monday’s conference was the new layout which will come with iOS 26.

Known as Liquid Glass, Apple said this is a ‘translucent material that reflects and refracts its surroundings’, which can ‘dynamically transform’ itself and adapt appropriately.

This isn’t a physical thing, but rather design language used to describe the refreshed look which Apple’s operating system is set to introduce.

The company explains: “The new material, Liquid Glass, is translucent and behaves like glass in the real world.

“Its colour is informed by surrounding content and intelligently adapts between light and dark environments.

“Liquid Glass uses real-time rendering and dynamically reacts to movement with specular highlights. This creates a lively experience that makes using iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV even more delightful.

“This gorgeous new material extends from the smallest elements users interact with every day – like buttons, switches, sliders, text, and media controls – to larger elements, including tab bars and sidebars for navigating apps.

“It also shines in system experiences, such as the Lock Screen, Home Screen, notifications, Control Center, and more.”

Essentially, the overall layout hasn’t changed that drastically – however, icons, widgets and the like will now assume a glass-like form, while the page in the background will be blurry, but still visible.

The new feature is pretty revolutionary, but a lot of people aren’t impressed with it (Apple)

What do people think of Apple’s new update?

Even though what we’ve seen so far is merely a preview of the plans rather than the real deal, loads of people said they couldn’t believe that Apple thinks Liquid Glass is a good look.

Hundreds of people took to social media to share their critiques, with many dubbing the proposed design a ‘visual disaster’ which could make iPhones inaccessible for some users.

Taking to Reddit, one person wrote: “The transparency is going to really drive away older people from iPhones. Too much going on and not enough contrast.”

Another said: “Wow, I can’t believe people inside Apple love this. If you’re an employee, speak up. This redesign blows.”

A third added: “The lack of contrast is…visually interesting, in the worst possible way. Obviously it’ll be tweaked, but it looks genuinely hideous in its current state.”

A fourth wrote: “Why the f**k do I need to see what’s BEHIND the thing I’m trying to see?!”

And a fifth chimed in saying: “How can one of the richest and most powerful companies in the world introduce something like this? Even if it’s going to be fixed, it’s just a shame.”

Others seemed more optimistic about the Liquid Glass, pointing out it would probably look a lot better by the time Apple releases iOS 26.

“Not going to lie, it’s kind of growing on me,” one Reddit user said. “Can’t wait to check it out.”

A second commented: “Looks like a return to the glass/transparent look from 20 years ago. If we could blur it I would love it.”

A third explained: “There will be changes over the course of the next few months. This a developer beta.”

“I like it but the background should be more blurred I think,” another said. “I have been fan of glass morphism effects and this is really good.”

Social media users were left divided over whether it would enrich the experience of using an iPhone (Apple)

Can you avoid Apple’s new ‘Liquid Glass’ update?

As well as compliments and criticisms, the Reddit thread was also full of questions from people wondering if they could bypass the Liquid Glass update when iOS 26 becomes available.

“I am not updating to this garbage,” one said firmly, while another worriedly asked: “This is optional, right?”

But on a serious note, is there any way to avoid this new feature coming to your iPhone? Sadly, we’re not too sure yet.

Cook didn’t specifically reference whether users would be able to completely disable Liquid Glass during Monday’s conference, however, people seem to think there will be a way to do it.

Given all of the current tweaks you can already make to your iPhone’s appearance under ‘Accessibility’ in Settings, social media users reckon there will be a tab for Liquid Glass soon too.

It is thought you will at the very least be able to tweak the transparency to your personal taste, if not completely turn it off.

Obviously, refusing to update to iOS 26 would be another way around it – however, this can make your phone perform slower, reduce security, and leave you vulnerable to bugs.

LADbible has contacted Apple for comment.