iOS 26 Update: From Excitement to Frustration
Apple introduced iOS 26 with bold promises – a Liquid Glass design, tighter security, and AI-driven improvements. But instead of universal praise, the update has triggered widespread complaints.
The Main Complaints from Users
- Battery Drain
- Many iPhone owners noticed a significant drop in battery life right after updating, even with light usage.
- Overheating
- Devices tend to heat up more quickly, especially during the first few days when the system is still processing background tasks.
- Design Discomfort
- The Liquid Glass effect, with its heavy transparency and blurred visuals, is causing eye strain and, in some cases, even dizziness.
- Lag and Slow Animations
- On older models, the new design makes animations feel sluggish rather than smooth.
- Style Over Substance
- A large group of users argue that Apple has focused too much on flashy visuals while sacrificing speed, responsiveness, and stability.
What Can Be Done
Experts recommend:
- Go to Settings → Accessibility and enable Reduce Transparency and Increase Contrast.
- Use standard wallpapers with less graphic complexity.
- Limit background app refresh to essential apps only.
- Wait for iOS 26.1 or the next bug-fix update.
The iOS 26 update may go down as one of Apple’s most controversial releases. While it showcases futuristic design and ambition, it also risks alienating users who value comfort and performance. Whether this is just a rough start or a strategic misstep will become clear once Apple rolls out its next patches.