iOS 26's Glassy Icons: A Wobbly View?
Wed Sep 17 2025
The latest iOS 26 update has a new feature called Liquid Glass. It makes app icons look like they're made of glass. This effect adds a glow to the corners of the icons. It's supposed to make them look more dynamic and three-dimensional.
But not everyone is happy with this change. Some users say the glowing corners create an optical illusion. They make the icons look like they're tilting or crooked. This can be really distracting. Some people even feel dizzy or disoriented when they look at their screens.
The problem seems to be worse when the icons are set to "Dark, " "Clear, " or "Tinted" modes. It's especially noticeable against dark or black backgrounds. Colorful wallpapers can help hide the effect. But it's still there, making some users feel like they're seeing things that aren't really there.
Apple has options to reduce transparency and motion in the settings. But these don't seem to fix the issue. Users hope that Apple will add a new setting in the future. This setting could let them adjust or turn off the icon effect.
The feedback has been mixed. Some users love the new look. Others find it frustrating. It's a reminder that what looks cool to some might not be so great for others. Apple will need to find a balance. They need to make sure their updates work for everyone.
https://localnews.ai/article/ios-26s-glassy-icons-a-wobbly-view-d778a87f
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questions
If app icons look crooked, does that mean iOS 26 is the first operating system to have a 'design fault'?
What are the ethical considerations for companies when implementing design choices that may cause discomfort or disorientation?
Is the Liquid Glass design in iOS 26 intentionally designed to make users more susceptible to advertising by creating visual discomfort?
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