# The Liquid Glass Redesign of iOS 26: A Renewed Appearance for App Icons
As a component of the Liquid Glass overhaul in iOS 26, Apple has unveiled an updated visual aesthetic for system elements, encompassing buttons and tab bars, along with a total redesign of app icons. This represents the first major redesign of system app visuals since iOS 7, offering a fresh style for iPhone home screens this autumn.
## A Cohesive Visual Language
The new set of app icons signifies a comprehensive rethinking of Apple’s strategy regarding app icons across all its platforms. In the past, iOS, macOS, watchOS, and visionOS displayed various interpretations of the same icons, with macOS utilizing more three-dimensional effects and shadows, while watchOS icons were round but did not resemble the circular icons of visionOS.
With the release of iOS 26, Apple has capitalized on the chance to harmonize its platform icons. Icon rendering across iOS and macOS is now uniform, with all Mac icons adopting the ‘squircle’ rounded rectangle design seen on iPhones. Furthermore, most icons on watchOS and visionOS have been similarly designed, merely cropped into a circle for those platforms.
## Design Improvements
Apple advocates for the incorporation of glass layers in the new icons, featuring edge highlights and blur effects. Fresh alignment guidelines specify the spacing of circular elements within the icons, guaranteeing a sleek appearance. The squircle clip shape has also been carefully modified, showcasing a larger corner radius for a more polished look. On the iPhone and iPad, the glass layers of the icons even react to the device’s motion, producing dynamic directional light effects.
## Visual Upgrades
The overarching style of the new icons is a notable advancement over their iOS 18 predecessors. Apple has made significant progress in crafting a visually captivating and coherent icon set that elevates the user experience.
## App Icon Display
The following sections highlight various redesigned app icons in iOS 26:
### App Store
### Books
### Calculator
### Clock
### FaceTime
### Freeform
### Home
### Journal
### Mail
### Maps
### Messages
### Music
### Notes
### Passwords
### Phone
### Photos
### Podcasts
### Reminders
### Safari
### Shortcuts
### Stocks
### Tips
### TV
### Weather
## Final Thoughts
The Liquid Glass redesign of iOS 26 not only revitalizes the appearance of system components but also harmonizes the visual language of app icons across Apple’s platforms. With an emphasis on aesthetics and functionality, the new icons are set to enhance the overall user experience on iPhones and iPads. Users are invited to share their feedback regarding the redesign and its influence on their device interactions.
