How to move the search bar back to the top on iOS 26

ykt28403 wrote:

How do I move the search bar back to the top on iOS 26? I want to move it back to the top in all the apps for which it's moved to the bottom, not just in a single app.

You can't, except in Safari. For everything else, the search bar has been relocated to the bottom of the screen and is hard coded into iOS 26 and not something you can change.

If you want to let Apple know you'd like it moved, you can use this link --> Feedback - iPhone - Apple

highriverkaren wrote:

I HATE the search bar at the bottom!! Surely with today’s technology you can customize it to move it back. I regret installing every update because it’s so

irritating. Heaven knows we need less irritations in our lives these days.

Surely, you know that this is a user to user only forum and no one from Apple participates here. So surely we can't customize anything about iOS, which includes where the search bar is. Motor memory can be easily retrained. I'm now quite comfortable with where the search bar is.

Since no one here can surely do anything to change where it is however, you can provide feedback to Apple here --> Feedback - iPhone - Apple

diehardskater wrote:

I just did an update. Why would you put the search bottom on the bottom of the screen, so you have to look down for it? Why did my clock change view change? I prefer the old camera icon over the new one

You aren't writing anyone from Apple here. This is a user to user only forum, which Apple doesn't participate. As users, we didn't change anything so asking 'why' questions here can't be answered. One can theorize why the search bar was moved to the bottom, which would likely be that for years, especially people who use their phone one handed, asked for the change.

The simple fact is every year, when the new iOS version is released, things change. That's how it goes with technology. Motor memory can be easily relearned and chances are after a while, you'll have no issue with where the search bar is located. I've been on iOS 26 since September and have adjusted just fine.

If you'd like to share your thoughts with Apple, however, this is where you send them --> Feedback - iPhone - Apple

I just did an update. Why would you put the search bottom on the bottom of the screen, so you have to look down for it? Why did my clock change view change? I prefer the old camera icon over the new one

diehardskater wrote:

I just did an update. Why would you put the search bottom on the bottom of the screen, so you have to look down for it? Why did my clock change view change? I prefer the old camera icon over the new one

The search bar on the bottom is closer to the keyboard when typing and makes sense to me. Other UI elements change every year, no matter if you are using an Apple iOS or Android OS. If you prefer the old camera icon, all you need to do is create a Shortcut where you can assign any icon you want and have it launch the Camera app when tapped. Toss the original camera app in the App Library and you won't see it on any of your Home Screens.

It is not clear if you updated to iOS 26.1 or if you now have iOS 26.2. With iOS 26.2, you now have much more customization options for the clock on the Lock Screen. You can adjust the Font, Thickness, and Color. We have seen many users here who have requested more customization options and they are always referred to the Feedback link to let Apple know what they would like to see. You can do that as well.

Product Feedback - Apple

I HATE the search bar at the bottom!! Surely with today’s technology you can customize it to move it back. I regret installing every update because it’s so

irritating. Heaven knows we need less irritations in our lives these days.

This really needs to change. As the way to go to a different app (minimize current app) is to swipe up from the bottom, I end up in search half the time. This is VERY annoying. Minimally, the search needs to move up a bit so that the upward swiping works more consistently. But, better yet is to have all the searches at the top. Most apps have search at the top, why is Apple different? Thinking differently in this case is not a good thing….

The_Stad wrote:

This really needs to change. As the way to go to a different app (minimize current app) is to swipe up from the bottom, I end up in search half the time. This is VERY annoying. Minimally, the search needs to move up a bit so that the upward swiping works more consistently. But, better yet is to have all the searches at the top. Most apps have search at the top, why is Apple different? Thinking differently in this case is not a good thing….

Many of us actually like where the search bar now is. I do actually like where it is. But this is a user to user only forum, not Apple Support, so whether you don't like it or whether I like it won't get you anything here.

Share your thoughts with Apple here --> Feedback - iPhone - Apple

ykt28403 wrote:

Thanks!

You're welcome.

highriverkaren wrote:

...Heaven knows we need less irritations in our lives these days.

Yes.