Technology

iPhone Users Rage Over iOS 26 Update: 'The Ugliest Thing Apple Has Ever Done'

2025-06-15

Author: Sarah

The tech world was rocked at the Worldwide Developer Conference on June 9 when Apple unveiled its controversial iOS 26 update, introducing a bold new "Liquid Glass" aesthetic. Featuring semi-transparent effects on app icons and screens, this overhaul aimed for a sleek, modern look.

However, Apple’s vision has not been well received. While Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, called the new design "gorgeous," many users vehemently disagreed.

Social media erupted with criticism, with one user declaring, "Liquid Glass Design is the ugliest thing @Apple has ever done!" Others lamented that "Steve Jobs would have never approved this," and one frustrated user exclaimed, "It literally hurts my eyes to look at!"—labeling the update as "the definition of form over function."

Critics voiced worries that the design strays too far from Apple’s hallmark minimalist elegance. One user quipped, "It’s like they left a few interns in a room with crayons," highlighting a perceived loss of sophistication.

Apple aims to integrate the Liquid Glass design across its entire lineup, including iPads, Apple Watches, and Apple TV. On their website, they promoted the update, stating that the new material is "translucent and behaves like glass in the real world," adapting intelligently to various lighting environments.

Yet, industry insiders are also expressing concern over usability. Allan Yu, a product designer with Output, noted that certain elements might be "hard to read" due to excessive transparency. Despite conceding that the design has its visual appeal, Yu cautioned about the challenges smaller teams may face in implementing such updates.

Design consultant Josh Puckett echoed these sentiments, describing the interface as "distracting" and "challenging to read," though he remained optimistic that Apple might make refinements.

Currently, iOS 26 is only available in developer beta, with the full public release anticipated around September. As the backlash continues to grow, Apple will need to consider user feedback carefully in order to reclaim its reputation for elegant design.