iOS 26.2 (and all of 26) worst upgrade ever.

iOS 26.2 (and all of 26) is riddled with issues, bugs, lack of functionality, lags, etc. will apple start listening??


I already tried submitting multiple ‘feedback’ requests to apple, funnily enough, there is a character limit so you can’t actually describe all the issues in just one message. Says a lot about the issues.. not sure where to begin but the first one to point out as I’m typing this is the slow keyboard, lag in typing and displaying and the spacing of letters.

The screen delays, the swiping, the odd circle that stays around what you “click” as a bubble, the slow response in safari, the odd settings changes that NO one asked for. The constant “suggestions” from apple either in mail (no apple, I don’t need you to tell me to unsubscribe to every email I get I can make my own decisions) the car suggestion, and yes I have these turned off.. (trying to figure out how was a mission in itself because why would it be user friendly..)

The changing between apps is awful, slow and clunky, screens hang there without responding until they do. Not being able to change the way I want to display the date format on the locked screen, it’s my phone I want to use it how it suits me not how “apple thinks you want to use it”

I can keep going. It’s a rant I know but this is the first time there are SO MANY issues not just one here or there, that I had to do this.


I again repeat yes I have submitted feedback to the official channels. This is me sharing my frustrations with the community.

Posted on Jan 5, 2026 2:25 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 19, 2026 7:11 AM

Gotechgo10 wrote:

I just installed the update today and spent over an hour trying to fix all the screen display and other issues I dislike. If you haven't installed it yet, don't!!!! I researched the update online and most of the irritants are impossible to fix... all of which are Home Screen and keyboard related. So basically will be staring at them every minute of every use. I've never cursed so much at an inanimate object!

Good luck to all... and, Apple designers and executives... how could your focus group testing not pick up on this before approving and launching the update?!?


iOS/iPadOS 26.1 introduced a new setting that subtly changes the appearance of Liquid Glass:

Settings > Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass - select Clear or Tinted


If you are experiencing challenges with the new Liquid Glass UI, there are settings that can significantly improve the appearance and suppress the majority of unwanted effects:


  1. Settings > Accessibility > [Vision] Display & Text Size > Reduce Transparency - set to ON
  2. Settings > Accessibility > [Vision] Display & Text Size > Increase Contrast - set to ON
  3. Settings > Accessibility > [Motion] Reduce Motion - set to ON


Each if these settings can be used individually, or in combination. Setting Reduce Transparency alone (1) will likely suppress the majority of potential issues. The Reduce Motion setting (3), if used, will eliminate the "lensing" effects of the Liquid Glass UI. Experiment; you should find a combination that works for you.


I suggest that you begin with setting Reduce Transparency to ON - and then, if needed, experiment with additional use of one or more of the other options.


NB: The new Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass setting can only be changed/toggled while Reduce Transparency is set to OFF. You might find that setting Liquid Glass to Clear, prior to enabling Reduced Transparency to ON, may give the best result.


Liquid Glass will undoubtedly continue to evolve throughout the lifespan of iOS/iPadOS 26. Hopefully, Apple will provide additional controls over time to refine the visual aspects to suit the individual needs of end-users. Many have commented that while Liquid Glass is "pretty", it is arguably form over function - reducing legibility and usability for some users. Some here also strongly advocate for this new look; others express dislike, or have significant difficulty with its legibility.


If you have any constructive feedback concerning Liquid Glass, or would lime to see changes or additional flexibility in its configuration, you should submit comments via Apple's Product Feedback portal. For iPad:

Feedback - iPad - Apple

125 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 19, 2026 7:11 AM in response to Gotechgo10

Gotechgo10 wrote:

I just installed the update today and spent over an hour trying to fix all the screen display and other issues I dislike. If you haven't installed it yet, don't!!!! I researched the update online and most of the irritants are impossible to fix... all of which are Home Screen and keyboard related. So basically will be staring at them every minute of every use. I've never cursed so much at an inanimate object!

Good luck to all... and, Apple designers and executives... how could your focus group testing not pick up on this before approving and launching the update?!?


iOS/iPadOS 26.1 introduced a new setting that subtly changes the appearance of Liquid Glass:

Settings > Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass - select Clear or Tinted


If you are experiencing challenges with the new Liquid Glass UI, there are settings that can significantly improve the appearance and suppress the majority of unwanted effects:


  1. Settings > Accessibility > [Vision] Display & Text Size > Reduce Transparency - set to ON
  2. Settings > Accessibility > [Vision] Display & Text Size > Increase Contrast - set to ON
  3. Settings > Accessibility > [Motion] Reduce Motion - set to ON


Each if these settings can be used individually, or in combination. Setting Reduce Transparency alone (1) will likely suppress the majority of potential issues. The Reduce Motion setting (3), if used, will eliminate the "lensing" effects of the Liquid Glass UI. Experiment; you should find a combination that works for you.


I suggest that you begin with setting Reduce Transparency to ON - and then, if needed, experiment with additional use of one or more of the other options.


NB: The new Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass setting can only be changed/toggled while Reduce Transparency is set to OFF. You might find that setting Liquid Glass to Clear, prior to enabling Reduced Transparency to ON, may give the best result.


Liquid Glass will undoubtedly continue to evolve throughout the lifespan of iOS/iPadOS 26. Hopefully, Apple will provide additional controls over time to refine the visual aspects to suit the individual needs of end-users. Many have commented that while Liquid Glass is "pretty", it is arguably form over function - reducing legibility and usability for some users. Some here also strongly advocate for this new look; others express dislike, or have significant difficulty with its legibility.


If you have any constructive feedback concerning Liquid Glass, or would lime to see changes or additional flexibility in its configuration, you should submit comments via Apple's Product Feedback portal. For iPad:

Feedback - iPad - Apple

Jan 27, 2026 3:24 AM in response to TWIGGY22

TWIGGY22 wrote: "iPhone 12 - since upgrading to IOS 26..."

TWIGGY22 ~ Your iPhone 12 could be >5 years old and the long process of applying a major iOS upgrade to an iPhone with a weak, aging battery can be the proverbial "straw that broke the camel's back." So...


Does your iPhone 12 still have its original battery?


And what's the Maximum Capacity % here?...


Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging


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Jan 21, 2026 7:47 AM in response to Joani

Joani wrote:

This update is horrible. It has slowed down so many of my apple applications such as email, and contacts. They need to fix this ASAP.

The update was released over a month and a half ago, why are you just experiencing this now? Is it that you had just updated and the expected background processes are still running on your iPhone after the update where you will experience slow downs, battery draining and increased device heat for about 3-5 days after the update?

About Apple software updates - Apple Support


What is your Battery Health? You may have additional information at Settings > Battery under a section called Peak Performance Capability that will tell you the performance is being managed to prevent unexpected shutdowns and is an indication that your battery is failing. For an iPhone 14 or earlier, the battery is only expected to last for 500 charge cycles before the health drops below 80% and will need replaced. An iOS update will not fix that problem.

iPhone battery and performance - Apple Support


Jan 6, 2026 12:33 AM in response to SravanKrA

SravanKrA wrote:

• This is the summary of what you are trying to say.


• The keyboard is slow, laggy, and struggles to display typed text properly.
• Screen responsiveness is delayed; swiping feels inconsistent.
• A strange “click bubble” lingers after tapping items.
• Safari is noticeably sluggish.


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



Jan 11, 2026 6:00 PM in response to a.Long

a.Long wrote:

Who is this? Is this Apple support? The way I was able to close a tab on Safari and use listen to page a second time not working. The way I was able to easily slide and delete tracks in my YouTube history no longer working…that’s what I found for now other than it drains my battery quickly

No, this is NOT Apple Support. This is a user to user only forum. No one from Apple is here and you'd know that if you actually read the Terms of Use you signed when you joined the forum.


I'm not having any issues like you seem to be having. Closing a Tab in Safari, is really no different in iOS 26.2 than it was in iOS 18. I have no issues with YouTube either. But I'm not sure what you mean by slide and delete tracks in YouTube? Keep in mind that when it comes to YouTube, it's not an Apple product. YouTube is owned by Google and if there are issues with YouTube, Apple has no control over apps they don't own. Issues with 3rd party apps, should be addressed to the developer of the app.


The battery in my phone lasts all day, and then some. I do have the newest iPhone 17 Pro Max and you didn't suggest what iPhone model you own? What is the Battery Health in your iPhone. Open Settings > Battery > Battery Health and report back.


Finally, after every iOS update, the first time I do is Force Restart my iPhone. Do you do this --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support If you haven't done this, you should do it.


Jan 18, 2026 12:12 PM in response to iheartcle

iheartcle wrote:

ive been using an iPad for over a decade, this upgrade it’s horrible, please change it back, you have changed so much, horribly. Please, change it back


This is a user-to-user technical community. Contributors here are all end-users, just like you. Other than the site Moderators, Apple neither monitors nor participates within this Community. As such, your comments here will not be seen by Apple, Apple Support or the Apple Developers.


Contributors here have absolutely no influence over Apple's design or development plans.


Apple invites submission of constructive comments and feature requests via its Product Feedback portal. For iPad and iPadOS:

Feedback - iPad - Apple


If you would like to see changes or updated features in a future release of iPadOS, this would be the most appropriate channel to convey your wishes to Apple.


Jan 19, 2026 12:54 PM in response to APM4444

APM4444 wrote:

I guess the people responsible for testing the latest version thought we don’t need to see the letters on keypad
https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/66135145-96a1-421a-a353-296c859b0bb3

No issue seeing the letters on the keyboard on my iPhone with iOS 26.2. People need to stop assuming because they have an issue, everyone else has the same issue. If everyone couldn't see the letters on their keyboard, this forum would blow up with complaints and the tech press would be all over it. But neither is the case.


After every iOS update, I Force Restart my iPhone. When was the last time you did? Here's how to Force Restart an iPhone if you don't know how to do so --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support


If that doesn't help, you should Reset All Settings (make sure you know your Wifi passwords before you do this) --> Reset iPhone settings to their defaults - Apple Support



Jan 20, 2026 2:01 PM in response to RandomNameWithUniqueSuffix

RandomNameWithUniqueSuffix wrote:

Please just put it back how it was. It was perfectly fine before liquid glass

You've responded to another user on this user to user only forum asking them to do something not possible. No one posting here can put it back. But you can adjust things to better meet your needs --> Liquid Glass - Love It Or Hate It - It's … - Apple Community


You can also share your thoughts with Apple here --> Feedback - iPhone - Apple


Jan 25, 2026 2:32 PM in response to app12357

I bought an iPhone 14 Pro from Apple Refurbished and I’m so happy it came with iOS 18…

Everything you describe is true, and the quantity of visual bugs is just….

To the people saying they don’t have trouble I guess you got lucky, the quantity of upvotes on this post proves most people do have issues. I’m not saying iOS 26 is bad, or that Liquid Glass is bad, I actually like it, it just STILL to today feels undercooked. It’ll get better, but it was released too soon. It doesn’t have that “Apple quality”. Having came back to iOS 18 these things are even more noticeable. I know iPhone 12 is a few years old, but I even noticed these things and stutters on the iPhones 17 from the Apple Store. I’ve been reporting bugs since 26.0, that a lot of people have been reporting too, that aren’t fixed to this date. No, it’s not hardware problems: it’s not storage, battery health, “incorrect handling”, it’s just the undercooked software…

Tahoe’s first release was even worse btw, though I can’t comment on .1 and .2 releases because I downgraded.

Jan 22, 2026 7:01 PM in response to jennyhelpmesf

jennyhelpmesf wrote:

Final thing: When you text an audio text or a video to someone, sometimes you want to scroll down below it and include a "Hey, thought you'd find this funny" part in the 1 text. This version does now allow. If you send your gf, parents anything with a quick note "Dad, see above, love you!" You cannot do it -- you have to send it in a 2nd text.

After you did the update, did you Force Restart your iPhone? I do this after EVERY iOS update and it should be something you do as well --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support


Keep in mind that a major update is battery intensive for a couple days (or more depending on how much data your phone needs to index. This explains why your battery depleted faster and your phone ran warmer right away. This should go away after the phone fully indexes all your data.


To your medical App. You need to ensure you are updating apps regularly. See if the app needs to be updated and if you are using the most current version, since it's not an Apple Product, you should reach out to the owner fo the app for help. This is not something within Apples control.


Here is a link to the iPhone User Guide, which you might want to read as it goes through almost all of the settings and options in iOS 26 --> iPhone User Guide - Apple Support


If you want to make any adjustments to the Liquid Glass look, this might help you --> Liquid Glass - Love It Or Hate It - It's … - Apple Community


You didn't mention which model iPhone you own or what its battery health is. What model iPhone? Open Settings > Battery > Battery Health - what is the current health of your battery? If your phone is older, and your battery health is at, near or below 80%, the battery in your phone needs to be replaced at your Apple Store Genius Bar.


If you need more help, less rant and more specific issues you want help with, will get you more help on this user to user only forum.


In the meantime, I'm going to go back to my "invisible meal."

Jan 6, 2026 12:28 AM in response to app12357

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...



Jan 11, 2026 6:00 PM in response to a.Long

a.Long wrote:

Who is this? Is this Apple support?

This is an Apple Support site made up of other users just like you. Apple does not participate in providing support here, so if you are looking to speak with Apple directly, then you can use the information in this link for phone or chat support.

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

The way I was able to close a tab on Safari and use listen to page a second time not working.

For instruction on how to close tabs in Safari using iOS 26, you can review the information provided here.

Open and close tabs in Safari on iPhone - Apple Support

The way I was able to easily slide and delete tracks in my YouTube history no longer working…

Are you referring to the YouTube app or viewing YouTube content in Safari? If you are referring to the YouTube app, check the App Store as Google has recently updated their app in just the last hour. It is the Developers responsibility to update their apps for continued support and Apple cannot do that for them. If you have a problem with the app, then contact Google for support.





Jan 12, 2026 10:46 AM in response to Philreeth

Philreeth wrote:

hello,bonjour, I reread your painful experience and I feel that the most efficient way to bring you back on the path of a quality and enjoyable experience might be to book time at a genius bar if you are fortunate enough to have an apple store nearby, going through your evidences with an expert who might investigate more thoroughly with your phone in hand, I am sorry for not having the answer right now but I sincerely hope that a resolution will come soon, in the meantime enjoy life, take care. Philippe

I'm pretty sure you are responding to the wrong person. SravanKrA was not expressing any painful experience. They were responding with suggestions to the Author of this thread.

Jan 24, 2026 5:59 AM in response to tops2you2

You need to have Apple perform diagnostics on your iPhone. It can be done in person at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can also contact Apple Support and request remote diagnostics.


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


Explore Service Locations


Official Apple Support

iOS 26.2 (and all of 26) worst upgrade ever.

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