Summary: iOS 26’s visual language obscures content instead of letting it take the spotlight. New (but not always better) design patterns replace established conventions. With iOS 26, Apple seems to be leaning harder into visual design and decorative UI effects — but at what cost to usability? At first glance, the system looks fluid and modern. But try to use it, and soon those shimmering surfaces and animated controls start to get in the way. Let’s strip back the frost and look at how these chan...