Public Beta iOS26 has arrived: Here’s what the Reviewer are saying
Apple’s iOS is gaining attention, primarily due to the new Liquid Glass interface. This interface features a translucent, layered appearance, giving iOS a more futuristic vibe reminiscent of visionOS. Reviews have been mixed, with some praising the design while others criticize certain features of the mobile OS. The feedback highlights a blend of excitement and apprehension regarding Apple’s upcoming iOS 26. Overall, the buzz indicates a significant shift in the visual experience of iOS.
Before we get to the reviews, what exactly is Liquid Glass?
Apple introduces iOS 26's standout feature, Liquid Glass, which presents a translucent layered UI across the operating system. This feature includes see-through buttons, navigation bars, and menus that morph and shimmer in response to user interaction. The design is said to be inspired by visionOS, yet it bears a resemblance to the liquid glass appearance of Windows Vista. Liquid Glass aims to create a unified design aesthetic across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. This innovative UI enhances the overall user experience by providing a more dynamic and visually appealing interface.
The Praised Reviews
According to the reviewers, the design is described as feeling fresh and appearing more futuristic, with dynamic animations that immediately respond to touch and motion. The design parity across Apple devices is seen as a win for users who are already entrenched in the ecosystem. Refined over time, Apple does an adequate job adjusting its transparency levels throughout the beta cycle as improvements are readily applied.
Locked screen enhancements include a dynamic clock and layered photos, described by one reviewer as "spatial magic," which adds more depth to wallpapers. Accessibility has been significantly improved; users can now adjust transparency levels or opt out of specific design elements entirely.
The Criticism and Concerns
The primary issue with iOS 26 beta is that notifications and buttons are not legible on busy backgrounds, leading Apple to adjust this in later builds. While some reviewers praised the overall aesthetics, others found the design to be distracting or gimmicky. Noticeably absent is a customization slider for manual adjustment of translucency levels, a significant request from reviewers. As expected with beta software, you will encounter occasional bugs, UI hiccups, and battery performance issues. Overall, the feedback reflects a mix of appreciation for design and frustration over functionality flaws.
Epilouge
Whether you’re enamored by its spatial aesthetics or squinting to read the translucent button, one thing is clear: iOS 26 is the most ambitious mobile OS ever produced by Apple. The Liquid Glass interface marks a definitive shift from Apple’s design language, blurring the line between hardware and UI with a fluid, layered experience that’s both daring and divisive.
