AllYouCanTech

Developing See-Through iPhone App Icons on iOS 26

# iOS 26: The Launch of Transparent App Icons and Liquid Glass Aesthetic

iOS 26 represents a notable advancement in Apple’s mobile operating system, showcasing a comprehensive redesign marked by transparent features referred to as **Liquid Glass**. This update not only improves the visual charm of the iPhone but also brings entirely new app icons for Apple’s native applications. Among the most notable transformations is the capacity to render each app icon on the Home Screen transparent, providing users with a sleek and contemporary appearance.

## How to Activate Clear Icon Style

To adjust your app icons for a transparent look, adhere to these instructions:

1. Press and hold on an empty space on the Home Screen until the icons start to wiggle.
2. Tap **Edit** at the top left corner.
3. Select **Customize**, the second choice in the list presented.
4. Choose **Clear** from the Customize options at the screen’s bottom. Clear is the third icon type.
5. By default, **Light appearance** is selected. You may also opt for **Dark** or **Auto**, which changes based on the active light or dark mode.
6. Tap anywhere on your Home Screen to confirm your adjustments.

If you wish to return to full-color icons, simply repeat the initial three steps and choose **Default** instead of **Clear**. iOS 26 presents extra features, including the option to always use Dark icons or to switch automatically between Default and Dark icons based on the system’s light or dark mode. The revamped **Tinted** choice merges aspects of the Clear icon style with new Light and Dark options, along with the Auto feature.

## Clear Icon Style on iPad and Mac

The customization features introduced in iOS 26 extend beyond the iPhone. **iPadOS 26** offers the same functionalities for iPads, while **macOS Tahoe 26** brings dark icons alongside clear and tinted options for the Mac for the first time. Users can follow the same process to set iPad app icons to Clear, and on the Mac, the Clear mode can be accessed via **Settings > Appearance > Icon & widget style**.

For both iPhone and iPad, users have the ability to create multiple Home Screens by long-pressing on their Lock Screen and adjusting the app icon style for each. The Clear icon style also influences the visual aesthetics of Home Screen widgets. Although the absence of color may lead to challenges in identifying apps via their icons, the light Clear option signifies a daring shift in the Home Screen, reminiscent of the introduction of widgets. The futuristic design of light Clear icons is particularly impressive on the iPad.

## Conclusion

With the unveiling of Clear app icons and the Liquid Glass design in iOS 26, Apple continues to redefine mobile interface aesthetics. Users are encouraged to explore these innovative features and express their preferences concerning app icon styles. The question lingers: could Clear icons become a staple choice for users, and should Apple contemplate extending this feature to the Apple Watch and Apple TV? The discussion remains open.

Apple Set to Obtain Almost 50% of TSMC’s 2nm Manufacturing Capability, As per Report

### Apple’s A20 Chip and TSMC’s 2nm Process: A Fresh Chapter in Smartphone Innovation

Apple is allegedly in the process of launching its A20 chip, which will drive the iPhone 18 series, leveraging TSMC’s state-of-the-art 2nm manufacturing method. This breakthrough is expected to deliver notable improvements to Apple’s devices, as the new chip guarantees enhanced performance and efficiency.

#### TSMC’s 2nm Process and Production Plans

Recent updates from DigiTimes suggest that TSMC is preparing to increase its 2nm process in the forthcoming quarter. The firm has been charging unprecedented prices for its wafers, with expenses reaching up to $30,000 each. In spite of these elevated costs, demand for the 2nm chips is unmatched, with Apple obtaining nearly half of the production capability.

To meet this demand, TSMC has raised its planned monthly output at its Baoshan and Kaohsiung fabs. The corporation is also witnessing significant profitability, even amidst issues such as tariffs and fluctuating exchange rates. This is primarily due to the complete booking of its 4nm and 3nm production lines until the conclusion of 2026.

#### Competitive Landscape

The competitiveness in chip manufacturing remains fierce. While some analysts speculated that TSMC’s competitors, including Samsung Electronics and Japan’s Rapidus, might seize part of the market, TSMC still leads the industry. The organization is progressing its process roadmap as intended, with the 2nm node anticipated to boost production in Q4 of this year.

The Baoshan Fab 20 and Kaohsiung Fab 22, both of which commenced construction in 2022, are set to be key sites for 2nm chip production, scheduled to begin in 2025.

#### Market Demand and Future Customers

Apple is expected to be TSMC’s foremost customer for the 2nm chips, with Qualcomm in a close second. Other noteworthy firms anticipated to adopt this technology include AMD, MediaTek, Broadcom, and Intel. By 2027, additional significant entities such as NVIDIA, Amazon’s Annapurna, Google, and Marvell are expected to start mass production utilizing TSMC’s 2nm process.

The report suggests that the uptake of the 2nm technology will exceed that of the previous 3nm and 5nm generations, reinforcing TSMC’s supremacy in the semiconductor sector.

### Conclusion

As Apple moves towards the launch of its A20 chip, the ramifications of TSMC’s strides in 2nm technology are substantial. With robust demand from leading tech companies and a solid production approach, TSMC is set to uphold its leading role in the semiconductor market, paving the way for the next wave of high-performance mobile devices.

9to5Mac Daily: August 27, 2025 – Summary of Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ Event

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Hub for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the ever-evolving realm of technology, keeping abreast of the latest updates is crucial for both enthusiasts and professionals. 9to5Mac Daily provides an easy way to stay informed about the most significant happenings in the Apple ecosystem. This podcast, hosted by the expert team at 9to5Mac, delivers a daily summary of the key stories, ensuring that listeners are aware of the newest advancements in Apple products, software updates, and industry trends.

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9to5Mac Daily is available on multiple platforms, making it simple for listeners to join in. You can locate the podcast on:

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IDC Raises 2025 Global Smartphone Projection, Credits Expansion to Speedy iOS Embrace

### 2025 Smartphone Market Forecast: Expansion Despite Obstacles

Describing 2025 as a volatile year for the smartphone sector would not capture the full essence. In early February, IDC had projected a 2.6% increase, which later adjusted to a mere 0.6% in May. Recently, the organization has revised its projections again, attributing part of this to notable “accelerated” growth in iOS. Below are the specifics.

#### Tariff Ambiguity Merely ‘Background Noise’ Now

When IDC revised its global smartphone market predictions for 2025 from 2.6% down to 0.6% in late May, it pointed to “high uncertainty, tariff fluctuations, and macroeconomic issues such as inflation and unemployment in various regions causing a dip in consumer expenditure.”

Currently, the latest report presents a somewhat more optimistic projection: the organization anticipates that the market will conclude 2025 with 1% growth, fueled by “accelerated 3.9% iOS growth.” They assert that, in spite of earlier challenges this year, there exists a “robust replacement demand” that “will facilitate growth into 2026.”

Nabila Popal, senior research director at IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, remarked, “Although tariff fluctuations continue to introduce significant uncertainty, at this moment it is merely background noise for the majority of smartphone manufacturers. OEMs need to advance their diversification and production strategies to guarantee sufficient shipments to meet demand, which remains solid in most markets within select segments.”

Popal also indicated that the U.S. market will experience a growth of 3.6% through 2025, the Middle East and Africa will see a growth of 6.5%, and Asia Pacific, excluding China, is expected to grow by 0.8%, while China is predicted to encounter a 1% decline.

#### GenAI and Foldables to Expand Reach

The report additionally indicates a steady yet optimistic perspective extending to 2029, propelled by rising enthusiasm for foldable smartphones and the evolution and adoption of on-device generative AI capabilities.

Anthony Scarsella, research director at IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, commented, “IDC anticipates that over 370 million GenAI smartphones will be shipped globally in 2025, capturing a 30% market share. As use cases broaden and consumer awareness increases, we foresee on-device GenAI capabilities becoming integrated into more mid-range devices, evolving into a standard must-have feature sooner rather than later—elevating GenAI’s market share to over 70% by 2029.”

Notably, the report does not highlight Apple as a likely catalyst for growth within the foldable smartphone segment, despite speculation regarding a potential release of Apple’s first foldable iPhone next year.

For this segment, IDC predicts a 6% growth year-over-year in 2025, increasing from 2% in 2024, “followed by another 6% in 2026 and 11% in 2027.”

### Conclusion

The smartphone sector in 2025 is maneuvering through numerous challenges, yet indications of growth are emerging courtesy of iOS innovations and breakthrough technologies such as generative AI and foldable devices. As producers adapt to evolving market demands and consumer preferences shift, the mobile technology landscape is on the brink of substantial transformations in the forthcoming years.