Apple’s iOS 26, launched on September 17, 2025, was touted as the ‘first big update in 10 years’, introducing a new visual design element known as Liquid Glass. However, this feature was met with mixed reactions from users, leading to the release of the iOS 26.1 update on November 4, 2025, which introduced Liquid Glass Control. Despite these efforts, many users argue that these changes are insufficient to address the issues they have with the feature.
The Launch of iOS 26
The initial rollout of iOS 26 was met with anticipation and intrigue, largely due to its core visual overhaul. The update was hailed as the ‘first big update in 10 years’, a claim that was met with division among users. Some welcomed the changes, while others felt that the update fell short of expectations.
One of the most contentious features of iOS 26 was the introduction of Liquid Glass. This fluid, translucent interface was a departure from previous designs, but it was introduced without any controls, leading to a mixed bag of reactions from users.
Understanding Liquid Glass
Liquid Glass, as introduced in iOS 26, is a design element that gives the interface a fluid, translucent look. The feature was detailed in a review titled “Through a glass, liquidly”, which highlighted its unique aesthetic appeal. However, it also sparked controversy, with some users feeling that it was not a dramatic change from prior versions.
As users became more familiar with iOS 26, opinions became divided. Some appreciated the new features and design elements, while others felt that the update was not as groundbreaking as it was made out to be.
The iOS 26.1 Update Details
In response to user feedback, Apple released the iOS 26.1 update on November 4, 2025. This update was specifically designed to address issues with the Liquid Glass look, which had been a point of contention among users.
The update introduced Liquid Glass Control, a feature that allowed users to adjust the appearance of the Liquid Glass interface. This was the first major patch for iOS 26, and it signaled Apple’s commitment to evolving the platform post-launch.
User Reactions to the Changes
Despite the introduction of Liquid Glass Control in the iOS 26.1 update, many users felt that it was not enough. They argued that the control feature did not fully address the issues they had with the Liquid Glass look, leading to continued division among users.
Opinions on the other features of iOS 26 were also divided. While some users appreciated the new features and design elements, others felt that the update did not live up to the hype of being the ‘first big update in 10 years’. Despite the fix introduced on November 4, 2025, the backlash against the controversial Liquid Glass look continued.
Comparing iOS 26 to iOS 18
When comparing iOS 26 to its predecessor, iOS 18, it becomes clear that the introduction of Liquid Glass was not as dramatic an update as some might have expected. While the visual and functional shifts in iOS 26 were noticeable, they did not represent a complete overhaul of the interface.
The introduction of Liquid Glass Control in the iOS 26.1 update did add a new dimension to the comparison, allowing users more control over the look and feel of their interface. However, this did not completely quell the controversy surrounding the feature.
Expert Perspectives on iOS 26
Expert reviews of iOS 26 have been mixed. The review titled “Through a glass, liquidly” praised the introduction of Liquid Glass, but also noted that it might not be to everyone’s taste. Other experts questioned whether iOS 26 truly represented an advancement beyond iOS 18.
The division among users and the controversy surrounding the ‘first big update in 10 years’ label were also noted by experts. Despite the introduction of new features and design elements, some felt that iOS 26 did not live up to the hype.
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