iPhone app icons appear white on default display settings

Try the 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 can take up to 10 seconds while holding the side button before you see the Apple logo and you have to ignore anything else on the screen including the prompt to Slide To Power Off. If you don't see the Apple logo while holding the side button, try again as it may take a couple of attempts to get the speed and sequence correct.

You see this ...

Summary of Conditions and Explanations:

• Potential Changes to Your Setup:
  • Your Apple ID details might have recently changed.
  • The Apple ID or App Store country might have been updated.
  • If you transferred your data from another iPhone, note that only app data (not the app itself) is moved—you must re-download the app from the App Store.
• App Availability or Support Issues:
  • The app might have been offloaded: It could be downloaded again, but if the developer has stopped support, it may no longer function as expected.
  • The app could have been removed from the App Store in your current country.
  • The app might be outdated and require an update to work correctly.
• Appearance of the Placeholder Icon:
  • If you’re seeing a mesh-like textured placeholder icon, it may indicate that the original icon can’t be displayed.
  • This issue can arise if the app is no longer supported, has been removed from the App Store, or has lost its connection to the App Library.
  • It can also be due to a problem with the app’s icon file or device compatibility (i.e., the app isn’t optimized for your current iPhone model or iOS version).
• Troubleshooting Steps:
  • Confirm Availability: Search for the app in the App Store. If it’s not available, the developer might have discontinued it.
  • Contact Developer: If you suspect support issues or compatibility problems, consider reaching out to the app’s developer.
  • Reset Home Screen Layout: If you think the problem stems from a broken link to the App Library, reset your iPhone’s home screen layout via Settings > General > Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout. Be aware this will erase any custom app arrangements and folder structures.

"iPhone app icons appear white on default display settings: I have tried resetting my phone, resetting the display app layout, etc. I have even deleted apps and added them back and the same apps are white. I have the iOS 26.5 and when I change display to larger sized icons they work, or even the dark display, but when I want it on the default it won’t work. 1/4 of them are just white icons, but they still open up and work."

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iPhone App Icons Appear White on Default Display Settings:

A. Trying a New Home Screen and App Library:

What happens when you create e anew home page? What happens when you visit the App Library (swiping in from the right, after the farthest Home Screen?

B. AirPlay your iPhone:

If you have a device that you can AirPlay this with, see if it goes away. You'd be mirroring your screen, and would be streaming content, such as a video.

C. Reset your iPhone:

If you cannot fix this, reset your iPhone. No personal data (i.e. photos, apps, and messages) will be deleted; they will remain intact. Beware that this will wipe out customizations (i.e. Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth devices, and Privacy Settings. So, make note of what need be, and back up your iPhone a computer prior to doing so, so that you can restore to it, if needed.

See how to change the color of apps here --> Customize apps and widgets on the iPhone Home Screen - Apple Support