Liquid Glass: What's All the Fuss About?

Apple’s latest design update with iOS 26 includes a strikingly new visual language called Liquid Glass. This layered interface is unlike anything seen in the previous versions of iOS. But while some users are praising the change as a bold evolution, others are questioning its practicality.

In this blog, we break down:

• What Liquid Glass actually is

• What people love (and hate) about it

• How to disable or reduce it using accessibility settings

• Why it matters if you're using or buying older devices

What Is Liquid Glass?

Liquid Glass is the new look brought by the iOS 26 software update to compatible iPhones. It is translucent, reflective, and layered, making the interface feel more alive with light bouncing off UI elements, content subtly visible through menus, and app icons that appear to float in space.

You’ll notice it in:

• Home screen icons and widgets – now glassy, tinted, or fully transparent

• Control Centre and Notification Centre – with frosted, floating panels

• Lock screen clock – dynamically adjusts around your wallpaper

• Menus, toolbars, and overlays – refracting light and reacting to movement

Apple calls it a “delightful and elegant” upgrade that brings the interface to life. For some, it’s exactly that. For others… it’s a headache (literally, in some cases).

Credits: Apple

The Positives: What We Love About Liquid Glass

While Liquid Glass has sparked plenty of debate, it’s only fair to recognise that some users are loving what it brings to the table. Let’s take a look at what’s winning people over.

1. Fresh, Modern Look

After years of flat design, Liquid Glass feels dynamic, layered, and visually rich. It brings a sense of depth that fans say gives iOS a new personality.

2. Customisation and Responsiveness

iOS 26 allows you to choose between tinted or fully clear icons and widgets, offering more aesthetic control than ever. Users have even reported that iPhones feel snappier and more responsive with the new interface having a sense of speed and polish that flat UIs lacked.

Icons and widgets in iOS 26 Liquid Glass.

Credits: Mashable

3. Interaction Effects

From the bubble-like Lock Screen keypad to the way notifications bounce and settle, for some users Liquid Glass is making everyday actions feel more tactile. You’ll notice it in small things such as how the light shifts when you tilt your phone and UI elements interact. While some find it immersive, for others, it can be overbearing.

4. Nostalgia

Behind the technological sophistication of Liquid Glass, there is also a nostalgic appeal for many. Apple seems to have revived its skeuomorphic roots with slick icons and subtle light refractions.

The Cons: When Liquid Glass Gets Overbearing

For many users, the shine wears off quickly with Liquid Glass feeling distracting and even unnecessary. Let’s dig into the frustrations that are fuelling the backlash.

1. Readability and contrast issues
Some users report difficulty reading text layered over translucent or busy backgrounds, particularly in menus and notifications.

2. Performance lag on older devices
The rendering demands of Liquid Glass can cause stuttering or slower animations on iPhone 12 or older.

3. Distraction or sensory overload
Not everyone enjoys the shimmer, motion, or “floating” panels. Some find the visual effects overwhelming or inconsistent.

4. Accessibility concerns
Users with low vision or sensitivity to motion may find Liquid Glass challenging. In a classic Apple fashion, you can’t disable Liquid Glass or turn it off, but fortunately, there are a few settings you can adjust to minimise the Liquid Glass effect.

Credits: UX Design

How to Reduce Liquid Glass Effect on an iPhone

If you’re struggling with iOS 26’s new look, you’re not alone. Apple’s built-in accessibility options can help tone it down without losing core functionality.

Reduce Transparency (recommended)

This setting removes most of the blur and frosted-glass backgrounds.

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility

2. Tap Display & Text Size

3. Toggle Reduce Transparency to ON

Increase Contrast (optional)

For even better visibility:

• Stay in Display & Text Size

• Toggle Increase Contrast to ON

Credits: MacRumors

This adds more solid backgrounds and darkens interface elements for better legibility.

Add a Quick Toggle

You can switch Liquid Glass effects on/off quickly by enabling an Accessibility Shortcut:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Shortcut

2. Choose Reduce Transparency

3. Triple-click the side or Home button to activate it

You can also add this toggle to your Control Center for quick access.

Credits: iDG

Liquid Glass and Older iPhones: What You Should Know

As a tech recycling company, we’ve tested iOS 26 across various generations of iPhone, and here’s what we’ve seen:

• iPhone 13 and up handle Liquid Glass smoothly.

• iPhone 11 and SE models may show lag or animation stutters.

• Older devices (iPhone XR, iPhone 8) are not compatible with iOS 26.

If you don’t like the early feedback from reviewers and upgraders, and you do own an iPhone older than iPhone 13, it might be best if you do not update your iPhone to iOS 26, as once installed, there’s no way back and you will have to get used to the Liquid Glass being permanently on your iPhone as well as intermittent lag and slow animations.

Final Verdict: Is Liquid Glass Worth It?

If you love design and use a modern iPhone — Liquid Glass is likely worth it. It’s elegant, immersive, and feels like a true next-gen iOS experience.

If you prefer clarity and simplicity — you may want to reduce the effects using accessibility settings.

If you use an older iPhone — you’ll want to check performance before updating or using Liquid Glass-heavy features.

Ultimately, Liquid Glass in iOS 26 represents a bold shift. For many, it's a welcome visual refresh. For others, it’s a change that begs the question: “Even if you can, should you?”.