How do I change my look and feel back from the IOS 26 look and feel?

How do I change the look back from the horrible IOS 26 look and feel?


[Edited by Moderator]

iPhone 15 Pro Max

Posted on Dec 11, 2025 1:06 PM

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14 replies

Dec 11, 2025 1:11 PM in response to Kelly_Graham

Kelly_Graham wrote:

How do I change the look back from the horrible IOS 26 look and feel?

I am not sure what brain child came up with that look but it sucks!

Many people like me, actually really like the new look. Just because you don't, it's not necessary to be disparaging to the engineers who designed Liquid Glass.


I wrote this for people who may not love Liquid Glass. Read this ALL the way through and try the options detailed and I'm sure you can find a way to live with the changes in iOS 26 --> Liquid Glass - Love It Or Hate It - It's … - Apple Community

Dec 11, 2025 1:15 PM in response to Kelly_Graham

Here you go:

Liquid Glass - Love It Or Hate It - It's … - Apple Community


If you want to send feedback to Apple, you can do that here. Opinions are pretty irrelevant on a Support Site, as there are many that like it and some that don't, so it just ends up being a poll. No need for childish commentary when it comes to those opinions. This is not a Social Media site where that is normal.

Product Feedback - Apple


Dec 11, 2025 2:46 PM in response to Kelly_Graham

Kelly_Graham wrote:

That is why I use a usability study to find this information with what we design.

Apple does to and it is called the beta program. Anyone can register as a developer to provide feedback through the entire process. I was not alone and many of us also participated. You too can join if you wish and have a say in all pre-release versions. Of course, I would only recommend that on a spare device and you should never use beta software on your daily iPhone.


There next update is in the Release Candidate phase, but it is against the Terms of Use to disclose any info, so you will have to wait and see what new options will be available.

Dec 11, 2025 5:11 PM in response to greyelk

greyelk wrote:

And just because you like it doesn't mean people have a valid point with saying that changing the entire ui look and feel is a bad move especially when it breaks everything

You probably should reread what you wrote. You didn't actually say what you meant to say. I never have ever suggested someone who doesn't like Liquid Glass isn't entitled to dislike Liquid Glass. Never. What I have done is make it clear Liquid Glass is here to stay and I even wrote and posted a user tip I wrote to help folks who would rather tone down some the Liquid Glass effects.


Let's be clear. Liquid Glass doesn't break everything. It changes the appearance of many of the User Interfaces. that's not breaking. It's changing. If you have things which are simply not working, there's something else going on with your iPhone, which isn't tied to Liquid Glass. What that might be, we can't diagnose from our sofas.


Instead of complaining on a user to user only forum, where no one from Apple participates, nor reads for user feedback, make an appointment at your Apple Store Genius Bar and let Apple help diagnose what may be causing issues on YOUR iPhone --> Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


Dec 11, 2025 2:00 PM in response to Mac Jim ID

It's not disparging when you don't allow options. I design things like this all the time which I like and others like but forget the fact that the view ability is not the same through everyone's use case. That is why I use a usability study to find this information with what we design.


I tried these tweaks and it still does not get me any closer to what it was. I find it awkward and harder to use. I did provide constructive feedback to the link you provided but I am sure it will fall on deaf ears.

Dec 11, 2025 2:15 PM in response to Kelly_Graham

Kelly_Graham wrote:

... the view ability is not the same through everyone's use case. That is why I use a usability study to find this information with what we design.

Are you seriously implying Apple did not perform trade off studies before introducing Liquid Glass? Somehow that sounds absolutely implausible.


Personally I have my settings set up so there’s very little difference between the iOS 26 and iOS 18 appearances on my Home Screen.

Dec 11, 2025 4:11 PM in response to Kelly_Graham

Kelly_Graham wrote:

I was trying to customize the lock screen and I get a pop up that says “Failed to load asset” any ideas?

I have seen that error message as far back as iOS 16, and there could be a number of reasons.

  • The image file you chose is too large. The maximum file size for a Lock Screen Wallpaper is 25MB. If that is the case, you just need to resize the image.
  • Your device is low on storage space.
  • If using a custom image, it may be corrupted. Try checking the source of the image.


If you are seeing this on one of the default Wallpapers, then perform a Force Restart

  • Press and quickly release Volume Up
  • Press and quickly release Volume Down
  • Press and HOLD Side button until the Apple logo appears. This could take up to 15 seconds while holding the side button and you have to ignore anything else on the screen. If you do not see the Apple Logo while holding the side button then try again as it may take a couple of attempts to get the speed and sequence of the key presses correct.


Dec 11, 2025 7:14 PM in response to Kelly_Graham

"How do I change the look back from the horrible IOS 26 look and feel?"

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Changing Back the iOS LiquidGlass iOS Look and Feel:

You Can't. You’re not alone. See what is recommended at these two threads, when it comes to fixing iOS LiquidGlass after this update:



How do I change my look and feel back from the IOS 26 look and feel?

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