Ios26.1 looks terrible and seems slow.

I feel you. I tried almost everything to get back to the “neutral”, fast and responsive

experience of the previous OS.

The common, favorite tips about this topic (reduce motion/transparency, tinted look) can be helpful a give you back around 50% the feeling of the previous. But this said, they seem not be tuned for daily use in my eyes (still laggy, weird animation behavior).

I found a tip in another forum that helped me little bit more. Even if it don’t seem logical to setup not directly the global accessibility, setup the “Home-Screen..” in the “Per-App Accessibility” overview, pushes it a bit further. You can get fully tinted UI backgrounds in Control/Widget etc. additional it seems the Animations seems back more like in iOS 18 (less bouncy). My iPhone 11 Pro Max seems get his old performance feeling back (90%). Don't forget, You have to restart your phone once.

“•Enable Reduce Motion on Settings>Accessibility>Motion>Reduce Motion.

•Then go back to Accessibility then scroll down to Per-app Settings. Choose Home Screen and App Library then disable reduce motion there.

•Once everything is done, restart your device and there you have it!”

(original recipe from another forum, tested by me)

[Edited by Moderator]

ddwh wrote:

I HATE this new update. We should be able to revert back, it was nothing to do with “bugs”. The movement makes me nauseous, so many buttons changed locations for no good reason, my phone is so SLOW now and the battery dies so fast.

horrible idea Apple

Tell Apple what you think you should be able to do --> Feedback - iPhone - Apple

But Apple has NEVER supported downgrading iOS, so don't expect them to change this going forward.

As to movement what is actually called Motion, can be adjusted. Read this ALL the way through --> Liquid Glass - Love It Or Hate It - It's … - Apple Community

As to slowness and your battery dying fast, that likely has NOTHING to do with iOS 26. If a battery dies faster, it may be nearing its end of life. Open Settings > Battery > Battery Health - if it is near, at or below 80% the battery is in need of replacement at your Apple Store Genius Bar.

If your phone us running slow, it could be a lack of memory on your iPhone. When there is not much memory available, phones run slow, which again has nothing to do with iOS 26. Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage - how much memory is available on your iPhone? You should attempt to have at least 10GB of memory available at all times. If you are low in memory, you need to delete things you don't need or use, like Apps, Photos, Music, Videos, Messages, Email, etc.

Alfagtvdriver wrote:

So I can’t say that the new update looks bad and is worse to interact with? Seems that the developers would want to know that.

The developers won't read your post here, so if that is the intention then you should use the Feedback link here, where it will then be read by Apple.

Product Feedback - Apple

This is just a support site made up of Apple users that may be able to help with an issue you are having. We did not design iOS or have no inside information about any future releases. Remember that this is not a Social Media site and there is a drastic difference if the intent and purpose of a post on either type of site.

If you want to did deeper into the issues you are having, you can certainly provide more information. The most important would be when did you update? Apple has issued a Support Article saying you should expect battery drain, heat, and lag for a short period of time after the update. From what we have seen, this usually takes about 3-5 days to finish indexing files and performing the new object detection algorithms on your entire photo library.

About Apple software updates - Apple Support

The other detail you should include is your Battery Health percentage. The battery in the iPhone 13 is only expected to last 500 charge cycles before the health drops below 80% and needs replacing. You will experience lag when the battery needs replacing and the iOS update does not change the charge cycles, although it may expose an already failing battery with the increased demands.

Not sure what you are seeing blocking in Safari and a screenshot may be beneficial. It may be the box with up/down arrows and the checkmark for navigating between text fields. This is the same information that was above the keyboard where instead of the checkmark it was labelled as Done to remove the keyboard. The only difference is that it is now detached.

The screen real estate that it takes up is basically the same, other than the 2 pixel difference from the bottom to the top of the keyboard, it just looks different when detached. You were never able to see content behind that field before when it was attached to the keyboard. I can provide differences in the 2 look if you wish or you can find them on the internet, but not sure if that is what you are referring to. It may also be the Hover Text box that you can turn off at Settings > Accessibility > Hover Text.

iOS26isawful wrote:

My phone worked perfectly before iOS 26, had no problems with it at all, it has been with me through thick and thin. Ever since I made the massive mistake of installing the update, my phone has slowed to a halt, it rarely notices my touch input, has hugely increased loading time, and has made my phone, which I once loved dearly, into my enemy. I would give anything to have it removed. For the first time in my life I’ve considered switching to a non Apple device… The Apple family has let me down.

• Perform a Force Restart to clear caches and do some extra housekeeping after the update. Make sure in the last step you give it at least 15 seconds while holding the side button before you see the Apple Logo on the screen and ignore anything else you see on the screen, including the slide to power off message. If you don't see the Apple logo, then try again as it may take a couple of attempts to get the speed and sequence of the key presses correct.

Force restart iPhone - Apple Support

• Rolling back an update has never been supported, so that is not possible.
• I assumed you have given the phone 3-5 days to finish indexing after the update. If it has not been 5 days, then Apple has already addressed the lag you should expect during that time and will return to normal when the update finishes processing.
• Don't forget there are millions of devices that have already installed iOS 26 and it was released 5 months ago, so if you are experiencing a unique problem with your device, then it would be wise to schedule an appointment to determine the cause. If iOS 26 caused every device to slow to a halt, failing to recognize touch inputs, and hugely increased loading time, it would be the top story of every news network, and that is not the case.
• Certainly every update comes with opinions of some who are not going to like it, and that included iOS 18 last year when users expressed their desire to go back to iOS 17. No surprise to see the same with this update to go back to iOS 18 which apparently was undesirable last year. I would expect the same thing next year.
• As for changing device manufacturers, that is certainly your choice and I think everyone here would recommend to choose whichever one best meets your needs. Ironically you can look on the Android Support forum and see the same posts where users are switching to the iPhone because of what they are currently experiencing. Not sure what the point is or what they think they are accomplishing by posting that on a Support Site.

Switch Safari to Single Tab

Adjust Display Zoom + text size

Reduce Motion + Cross-Fade

Turn off heavy background processes

Let indexing finish while charging

Disable haptics for heat + battery

These forums are not a channel for providing feedback to Apple. The link to the feedback webpage is below. If you want assistance with the challenges confronting you, please create a post and state the issues. Plenty of knowledgeable users will step forward. If you’d rather alert Apple to your frustrations, fill out the form at the link and contact Apple Support.

Product Feedback - Apple

If you’re in the US, please call  1-800-MY-APPLE, or outside the US, consult the support articles below. In Canada, call 1-800-263-3394.

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Alfagtvdriver wrote:

and I can feel my battery getting warm just using this message board and noting else. Seems like the update is going to kill my battery.

This may help --> Overheating issues with my iPhone - Action and Solution… - Apple Community

"Ios26.1 looks terrible and seems slow.: how to make ios26.1 look a lot better? The new update looks terrible and things that you could see are now blocked like in safari. this is a very, very big step back in terms of usability and looks. Please set it back. and I can feel my battery getting warm just using this message board and noting else. Seems like the update is going to kill my battery."

-------

Blocked Apps After Update:

So, how have exactly would you define "blocked"? If they are missing from the Home Screen, then Drag & Drop them to the Home Screen from the App Library.

Troubleshooting a Lagging iPhone:

Clear Space Using my User Tips:

See if you need to clear lots of space. System resources may be using up too much services, making it overheat. Internal storage cannot be upgraded. It is what it is. So, the maximum internal storage capacity never increases, even if you upgraded your iCloud plan. Learn More here: What's the Difference Between Device Storage and iCloud Storage? Apple Support

So, what to do...

Clear Space, Using my User Tips:

• How to Clear Space from your Mobile Device, and What to Clear: - User Tip
• How to Clear "System Data" in your iPhone's Storage: - User Tip

ddwh wrote: "...my phone is so SLOW now..."

ddwh ~ What model of iPhone is it?...

Settings > General > About > Model Name

And what point version of iOS 26 is it running?...

Settings > General > About > iOS Version

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It's not always the iOS update's fault!  Many things can cause phone problems.  If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.

Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!

Was/Is your device Jailbroken? If that's the situation, please be informed that attributing the issues to iOS updates may not be accurate.

iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.

Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.

Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.

See what each update does: OS — iOS 26, About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...

There may be several reasons due to which an iPhone may behave as described by you. Some of them could be...

Let's delve a bit deeper into some of them:

1. Storage: A full iPhone can definitely slow things down. Phones can experience performance issues when the storage is nearly full. Users can check their storage status by going to Settings > General > [Device] Storage. Deleting unnecessary apps, photos, or videos can free up space and improve performance. How to check the storage on your iPhone and iPad - Apple Support.
2. Battery Health: A degraded battery can impact performance. A deteriorating battery can impact the overall performance of an iPhone. Checking the battery health can be done by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If the maximum capacity is significantly reduced, it might be time to replace the battery. Prolong and Maximise Battery Performance … - Apple Community
3. Incorrect Handling: Accidental drops or bumps can cause internal damage. looking at the Apple's guide on proper handling is a good step. Important handling information for iPhone - Apple Support (IN)
4. Environmental Issues: Extreme temperatures, dust, and water exposure can all be detrimental.
   1. Keeping iPhone clean is an important step. Dust accumulation in the iPhone's ports and openings can affect functionality. Apple provides guidelines on how to clean iPhones safely, which usually involves using a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dust without causing damage. Cleaning your iPhone - Apple Support
   2. Keep the iPhone within temperature limits. Phones are designed to operate within a specific temperature range. Exposure to extreme temperatures, especially in parked cars, can lead to overheating or other performance issues. If your iPhone or iPad gets too hot or too cold - Apple Support.
   3. Addressing safety issues is also important: Important safety information for iPhone - Apple Support (IN)
5. Unauthorized Service: Servicing an iPhone through unauthorized channels can result in substandard repairs and void warranties. Users should always seek authorized Apple service centers for repairs and maintenance.
   1. Repairs by unqualified technicians can introduce new problems. Find information about your warranty or AppleCare plan - Apple Support is helpful.
   2. Modification / Alteration of an iPhone by a third-party vendor may cause issues beyond repair. --> Unauthorized modification of iOS - Apple Support (IN)
6. Jailbreak: Now, let's talk about jailbreaking. Jailbreaking removes Apple's restrictions, allowing for more customization and app installation outside the App Store. However, it can also lead to instability, security vulnerabilities, and issues receiving future iOS updates.

By considering all these possibilities, you've provided a comprehensive approach to troubleshooting the iPhone's behavior.

Understanding and addressing these factors can help you maintain the optimal performance and longevity of their iPhones. Following Apple's guidelines and seeking authorized support when needed are crucial for a positive user experience.

If you are sure it is the fault of the equipment.

If you have either dropped the device accidentally or exposed it to liquid or used it beyond acceptable temperature limits then…

Take your device to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact Apple Support:

Find Locations - Location Selector - Apple

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support 

Get a Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Contact Genius Bar.

Manage Reservations - My Reservations - Apple

Babytoba wrote:

The new 26 update is not good. I don't like the aesthetics of the widgets, the menus have changed, and I would much rather the older version.

You can't have the previous version back. Things change and we somehow manage to adapt. And this fall, when Apple releases iOS 27, things will again change, which we will all manage to adapt to.

There are ways to adjust the Liquid Glass look. Read this ALL the way through --> Liquid Glass - Love It Or Hate It - It's … - Apple Community

Alfagtvdriver wrote:

The new update looks terrible and things that you could see are now blocked like in safari.

this is a very, very big step back in terms of usability and looks. Please set it back.

Devices that have been jailbroken or previously jailbroken have consistently reported issues.

IOS 13.1.2, worst “update” ever?

Re: IOS 16.5 worst update ever

Worst experience ever on IOS update (IOS 14.0.1)

Worst iOS ever - iOS 9

ios7 worst software

IOS 14 is the worst version in apple's history.

iOS 9 is the worst!

Re: IOS 14.6 worst ios keep fixing it now.

Is iOS 8 the worst os ever?

IOS 13.4.1 worst ios ever!!

IOS 13.1.2, worst “update” ever?

iOS 9.2 ¿worst realese ever?

iOS 12.x worst version - iPhone 6

Re: IOS 16.5 worst update ever

iOS 12 is the worst

Upgraded iOS to 11 - WORST iOS EVER on my 7 Plus

Re: IOS 13.4 is the worst

The list comprises approximately 4000 posts across all iOS versions, indicating that the issue is not with the iOS but with device management.

how do I roll it back???

You can't. Apple have never supported downgrading the iOS version.

Alfagtvdriver wrote:

... Please set it back.

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