Apple's recent WWDC 2025 keynote generated the usual buzz, but not all of it was positive. While the company proudly unveiled its suite of new OS 26 updates – iOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26 – a significant wave of criticism has emerged, primarily targeting the striking new "Liquid Glass" user interface. As developers and eager users dive into the early betas, the internet is alight with a mixed bag of excitement, disappointment, and outright complaints.

The Clear (or Not-So-Clear) Problem: "Liquid Glass" UI

The most vocal critique by far centers on Apple's ambitious new "Liquid Glass" design language. While visually stunning in marketing materials, promising a "more expressive and delightful" system experience, many users are finding the reality to be quite different:

• Readability Nightmare: The translucent, layered glass elements, especially noticeable in iOS 26 and macOS 26, are proving difficult to read text on. Users report poor contrast, particularly against busy backgrounds or in light mode, leading to eye strain and accessibility concerns. "Please for the love of god, make the 'frosting' level customizable," begged one Reddit user, calling it an "accessibility nightmare."
• Distraction and Clutter: The dynamic light refraction and blurring effects, while aesthetically pleasing to some, are seen as distracting by others, making it harder to focus on content. In macOS Tahoe 26, the new floating, pill-shaped elements in Finder and other applications are described as making the interface feel less clean and more cluttered.
• Echoes of the Past: Some users can't shake off the feeling that "Liquid Glass" is a modern reinterpretation of older, sometimes maligned, translucent UIs, like Windows Vista's Aero Glass. While Apple's execution is arguably superior, the stylistic similarities are hard to ignore for long-time tech observers.

Beta Bumps and Bruises: Performance and Stability

Beyond the design, it's a beta, and that means bugs. Early adopters of the OS 26 developer betas are reporting a range of performance and stability issues:

• Battery Drain and Overheating: iPhones, in particular, are reportedly struggling with rapid battery depletion and increased heat, likely due to the graphically intensive new UI.
• Lag and Crashes: General system slowdowns, app crashes, and compatibility issues with third-party applications are common, as is expected with early beta software.
• Feature Glitches: Specific bugs, from issues with the flashlight and Bluetooth to problems with Safari tabs and Wi-Fi connectivity, are making daily use challenging for those who installed the beta on their main devices.

It's crucial to remember that these are developer betas, designed for testing and feedback. Users should exercise caution and avoid installing them on essential devices.

Underwhelm in Other OS Updates

While iOS and macOS steal the design spotlight, other platforms are facing criticism for different reasons:

• watchOS 26's "Workout Buddy": Many Apple Watch users felt the updates to watchOS 26 were underwhelming. The "Workout Buddy" feature, for example, was perceived by some as a superficial addition, with hopes for more advanced health metrics, AI-powered coaching, or direct competition with fitness trackers like Garmin largely unmet. The removal of beloved complications also sparked frustration.
• tvOS 26: All Flash, No Substance? For Apple TV enthusiasts, tvOS 26's "Liquid Glass" design is noted, but many feel it lacks substantial functional upgrades. Disappointment stems from the absence of deeper Apple Intelligence integration, significant gaming enhancements beyond Apple Arcade, or long-requested features like improved parental controls and a reliable "Next Episode" button.
• Apple Intelligence Still Maturing: Across the board, some users expressed a desire for more groundbreaking advancements from Apple Intelligence. While integrated in various ways, it didn't deliver the widespread, transformative AI experiences that many had perhaps anticipated, and Siri's promised advancements are still in the pipeline.

The Road Ahead

Despite the complaints, it's still early days for the OS 26 lineup. Apple has a track record of refining its software based on beta feedback, and it's highly probable that elements of the "Liquid Glass" UI will be toned down or made more customizable before the public release in September 2025. The company will also undoubtedly address performance and stability issues as development progresses.

Whether "Liquid Glass" is a visionary leap into a new era of interface design or a misstep remains to be seen. For now, users are clearly making their voices heard, and Apple has its work cut out for it in the coming months to polish and optimize its "26" family of operating systems.