On Monday, Apple rolled out iOS 26 Beta 2, addressing significant issues with its new user interface design, known as Liquid Glass. This innovative interface, which made its debut during the WWDC 2025 event earlier this month, aims to modernize the look and feel of Apple’s operating systems for the iPhone, iPad, and other devices. The design draws inspiration from the optical qualities of glass, particularly its ability to refract light and its translucent characteristics.
Despite the excitement surrounding the launch of Liquid Glass, early testers of iOS 26 were quick to highlight various flaws in the new interface during the initial developer beta. Although the beta version is still a work in progress, many users took to social media to share screenshots and express their concerns about the readability and usability of the updated design.
A major point of contention among users was the Control Center, which is accessed by swiping down from the right side of the iPhone screen. The semi-transparent nature of Liquid Glass made it difficult for users to distinguish between the Control Center’s buttons and sliders and the icons and widgets on the Home Screen beneath. This issue led to heightened frustration regarding the usability of this essential feature.
Additionally, notifications were another area of concern in the first beta version, as users reported difficulty reading them against various backgrounds. The updated beta has improved the sharpness of notifications, although many users still feel that further adjustments are necessary, particularly for better readability on brighter and lighter backgrounds.
While these improvements are promising, it’s important to note that the changes in iOS 26 are not final, as Apple is expected to continue refining the interface before the public launch scheduled for the fall. The ongoing updates are a testament to Apple’s commitment to listening to user feedback and making necessary tweaks to enhance the overall experience of its devices.
As the development of iOS 26 progresses, users can anticipate more adjustments that will further enhance the Liquid Glass interface, making it more user-friendly and visually appealing. Stay tuned for future updates as Apple continues to evolve its software offerings.