iOS 26 marked the most ambitious update to the iPhone operating system since the overhaul seen with iOS 7. Naturally, with such a significant transformation, some users were bound to be dissatisfied with the update. Throughout the beta phase of iOS 26, Apple continually refined the appearance and sensation of Liquid Glass in an effort to satisfy user preferences. The company explained that Liquid Glass aims to render the operating system “more expressive and delightful” while avoiding an unfamiliar experience.
This refreshed design introduces a more engaging UI that reflects and refracts light across elements. However, with the initial public release of Liquid Glass and iOS 26, Apple was unable to fulfill its vision, and it wasn’t until the arrival of the iOS 26.2 beta versions that the company began to provide the same quality of Liquid Glass animations that had been showcased at WWDC. This update featured enhanced skeuomorphic icons and improved harmony between transparency and readability. Not only does iOS 26.2 address the issues with Liquid Glass, but Apple also implemented various adjustments over the previous months to enhance it beyond its original introduction.