Upgrades for iOS 26 are being second-guessed due to an increasing number of complaints
Apple's latest iPhone operating system, iOS 26, was launched on September 15, 2025, and is now available for download. The new operating system brings a host of changes and improvements, with a focus on the Liquid Glass redesign. The Liquid Glass interface, a significant departure from previous iterations, has received mixed reviews. Some users have found it to be a huge change initially, but have grown to like it after some time. On the other hand, some users have expressed frustration with the new look. The Tom's Guide iOS 26 review found a lot to like, despite some users still learning to tolerate the Liquid Glass interface. One of the standout features of iOS 26 is the new lockscreen and redesigned native Apple apps like Safari and the camera app. These changes have been met with praise from users, adding to the overall appeal of the new operating system. However, the switch between apps with different keyboard aesthetics can be frustrating for some users. This is particularly noticeable when comparing Apple-made apps with updated keyboard aesthetics in iOS 26, and third-party apps like Reddit, which still use the old keyboard. Another point of contention has been the dark mode in iOS 26. While it is a popular feature, some users have criticised the slight glow around icons, finding it distracting and dizzying. Upgrading to iOS 26 may cause temporary issues affecting battery life and performance. It's important to note that upgrading does not force users to abandon iOS 18, as the latter will still receive security updates. Several older iPhone models, including iPhone 11 models from 2019, can download iOS 26. However, some iPhone models will be cut off from iOS 27 starting in 2023. The iPhone 8 / 8 Plus and iPhone X will no longer receive updates, while the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR will stop receiving updates around 2025. Models older than iPhone 11 will generally not support iOS 27. No specific information about CarPlay upgrades arriving with iOS 26 was provided. The new operating system also does not mention the iPhone Air, a new model that has not been discussed in this article. Despite these minor criticisms, iOS 26 comes with new features such as Call Screening, Live Translation for messages and voice, and improvements in Apple apps like Maps, Music, and Wallet. These additions make iOS 26 an exciting update for Apple users, offering a fresh look and enhanced functionality.
