Author: Richard

# iOS 26 vs. iOS 18: A Performance Assessment

iOS 26 brought forth a notable redesign featuring its Liquid Glass look, which has received varied feedback concerning performance. While several users have noted decreased performance on their iPhones following the update, John Gruber from Daring Fireball recently took another look at iOS 18 after using iOS 26 for a considerable time and shared his observations on the performance discrepancies.

## John Gruber’s Insights

In a recent entry, Gruber elaborated on his time spent with an iPhone 16 Pro operating on iOS 18.7.7 as his primary device for two days. He observed that, counter to some claims, iOS 26 felt swifter than iOS 18. Gruber emphasized that during iOS 26’s beta stage, Apple had fine-tuned several system-level animations, which aided in creating a sensation of speed.

### Primary Insights

Gruber highlighted that the pace of animations has a significant impact on how users gauge the overall performance of their devices. He remarked, “So many little things feel slower” on iOS 18, even if the actual performance data might not reflect a considerable disparity. The slower animations in iOS 18 rendered the system feel less agile, especially when navigating back to the Home Screen.

One of the most marked enhancements in iOS 26 was the speed increase in app launching animations, which became much quicker in beta 6. This adjustment not only improved user experience on newer devices but also made older iPhones feel more lively.

## The Effect of Animation Pace

The sensation of speed is frequently shaped by how quickly animations respond. Gruber’s experience indicates that while iOS 26 might have introduced some performance challenges, the overall impression of the operating system is enhanced due to swifter animations. This aspect is especially pertinent for users considering a transition from Android, as they may observe these distinctions more sharply.

## Downgrade Possibilities and User Experience

Gruber’s capability to juxtapose the two operating systems arose from his possession of an older iPhone still operating on iOS 18. The concept of permitting users to seamlessly toggle between iOS versions could yield valuable perspectives on performance variations, yet currently, Apple does not support such downgrades.

## Summary

The discourse around iOS 26 and its performance compared to iOS 18 underscores the significance of user experience in software development. While some users may have encountered slowdowns with the recent update, Gruber’s observations imply that the overall sensation of iOS 26 is quicker, primarily due to enhanced animation speeds. As users progressively acclimate to the latest updates, their experiences will influence the ongoing conversation about performance and usability within Apple’s environment.

### UGREEN 2-in-1 Qi2 Foldable Charging Station: An In-Depth Review

The UGREEN 2-in-1 Qi2 Foldable Charging Station is a sleek and functional charging solution crafted for Apple enthusiasts, particularly for iPhones and AirPods. Featuring a modern design alongside cutting-edge technology, this charging station provides practicality and ease of use.

#### Key Characteristics

1. **Qi2 Technology**: The charging pad incorporates Qi2 technology, facilitating fast 15-watt charging for iPhones. This guarantees rapid and efficient charging for users who are constantly on the move.

2. **Dual Charging Functionality**: This station can simultaneously charge an iPhone and AirPods, delivering 5 watts of power to the AirPods. This is especially advantageous for users who do not need an Apple Watch charger at their work area.

3. **Flexible Design**: A standout characteristic of the UGREEN charging station is its flexible design. Users can set their phone in either portrait or landscape orientation, with an adjustable angle of up to 70 degrees. This adaptability is ideal for hands-free video calls, viewing movies, or checking alerts while recharging.

4. **Portable and Foldable**: The foldable design of the charging station makes it a perfect pick for those who appreciate a streamlined setup. It helps maintain a tidy desk, making it appropriate for both home and office settings.

#### Travel Aspects

While the UGREEN 2-in-1 charging station performs excellently as a desktop or bedside charger, it might not be the ideal choice for travel. Weighing close to half a pound, it can be challenging to fit into smaller bags or travel cases. Nonetheless, its portability remains practical for users willing to accommodate the added weight for its multi-device charging features. The removable USB-C cable enhances its convenience, allowing users to manage their cables efficiently.

#### Extra Charging Options

An impressive feature of this charging station is the extra USB-C port positioned on the side, which permits charging a third device at a slower rate of 5 watts. This port can accommodate devices such as the Nintendo Switch or Kindle, rendering it a versatile accessory for various electronics. However, it’s important to mention that the lack of a power adapter in the packaging might be a disadvantage for some users. Fortunately, many users likely have compatible 20-watt Apple chargers at hand.

#### Final Thoughts

To conclude, the UGREEN 2-in-1 Qi2 Foldable Charging Station is an excellent option for those in search of a multi-device charging setup with a compact and adaptable design. Although its weight and limited USB-C power output may discourage some travelers, it continues to be a fantastic desk accessory for everyday use. For Apple users in need of a straightforward and effective charging solution, this product is a valuable investment.

For further details or to buy the UGREEN 2-in-1 charging station, visit [Amazon](https://amzn.to/4ei5Fea).

### The Role of Apple Products in Space Missions

It’s hardly surprising that the iPhone is behind the memorable image of Earth captured during NASA’s Artemis II lunar flyby mission. Nonetheless, the iPhone isn’t the sole Apple device being employed by astronauts in space.

#### AirPods Observed on the International Space Station

As a four-member crew ventures further into space than any human has before, all attention is focused on NASA. NASA astronaut Jessica Meir, currently residing on the International Space Station (ISS), recently posted an interesting workout video that emphasizes the distinctive difficulties of exercising in microgravity.

In her tweet, Meir discussed the significance of regular exercise on the ISS to avert considerable muscle mass and bone density loss, which occurs due to the absence of gravitational forces acting on the body. She referred to the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED), utilized for strength training in space.

Notably, AirPods have emerged as the preferred headphones for astronauts during their workouts, even while orbiting the Earth at 17,500 mph. The practicality and wireless design of AirPods render them suitable for usage in the limited space of the ISS.

Consider the difficulty of misplacing an AirPod in space; however, the zero-gravity setting might actually lessen the distance they could travel if accidentally tossed, as gravity is what usually causes them to roll away on Earth.

Apple devices, including the iPhone and AirPods, are demonstrating their worth as essential tools for astronauts, improving their communication and workout experiences in the extraordinary environment of space.

Apple has recently revamped its developer website to highlight third-party applications that utilize Liquid Glass, a design language focused on creating natural and adaptive experiences throughout its platforms. This update signifies the second version of Apple’s design gallery for Liquid Glass, following its original debut in November 2025. Since then, a variety of apps have adopted this cutting-edge design technique, with both developers and Apple enhancing its application.

In this latest version of the design gallery, Apple showcases how teams of different sizes are utilizing Liquid Glass to improve user experiences. Among the highlighted applications is Carrot Weather, a distinctive weather app recognized for its witty robot personality. The app has received a visual update, particularly evident in the Radar tab, where the map panning feature has been enhanced. Developer Brian Mueller has optimized the app by minimizing the number of tabs in the bottom toolbar, leading to a more streamlined interface.

Another app gaining attention is Denim, a popular choice for generating playlist art for Apple Music. The app incorporates Liquid Glass design features seamlessly, with toolbar controls that integrate into the dark background. Improvements include upgraded undo and redo buttons and refreshed text labels on the cover art.

Other applications showcased in the Liquid Glass design gallery include Tasks, GoodLinks, AllTrails, and Fantastical, among others. Users can visit Apple’s website to explore the complete design gallery and see how these apps are implementing the Liquid Glass design language.

This initiative underscores Apple’s dedication to nurturing creativity and innovation among developers, encouraging them to embrace contemporary design principles that enhance user engagement across its ecosystem.