With a release iOS 26Apple has revolutionized the look and feel of the iPhone's home screen. This update goes beyond a simple design change; it also introduces a host of new features that give users the freedom to customize icons in ways never before possible. In this article, we'll review the most notable new features Apple introduced in iOS 26 and how you can take advantage of them to make your device reflect your personal taste in every detail.


All-new design for Apple app icons

The first thing you'll notice after installing iOS 26 is the sweeping visual changes to Apple's app icons. The icons are now more elegant, thanks to glassy effects and reflections that give them depth and a stunning visual appeal.

Whether you're using light or dark mode, your device will feel like it has a completely new look.


Icon customization has become more diverse.

In previous versions of iOS, you could choose between traditional icon styles such as Default, Dark, Auto, or Tinted. But with iOS 26, Apple added new styles, giving you greater control over the look and feel of your icons.

Light Tinted Mode

This new addition allows you to use the Tinted color effect on a light, transparent background, giving icons a light, bright appearance. This style allows parts of the wallpaper to be visible through the icons, giving the device interface a sense of spaciousness and purity. Here's how to activate it:

◉ Long press on the home screen.

◉ Choose Edit > Customize > Tinted.

◉ Select “Light” from the bottom of the screen.

Clear Mode

This is the biggest surprise in iOS 26. Transparent mode makes icons almost completely transparent using a design known as Liquid Glass. The purpose of this mode is to highlight the wallpaper as the most prominent element, while keeping the icons simple and monochromatic, promoting consistency and simplicity. You can choose between Clear Light, for a bright and clean look; Clear Dark, for a darker appearance that enhances contrast; or Auto mode, to switch between the two modes depending on the system's appearance.


Broader control over dark mode

In the new update, you can now choose whether you want icons to always appear in dark mode or only when the system is in night mode. This feature ensures that the icons' appearance matches your device's settings without requiring manual changes.


Customization comes to Mac too.

For the first time, Apple isn't limiting these updates to iPhone and iPad devices alone; it's expanded the new customization options to macOS. This means you can now unify the look of icons across all your Apple devices, giving you a more integrated and personalized experience than ever before.


Update Summary: Design your device your way!

With the iOS 26 update, the iPhone Home screen is no longer just a grid of icons; it's an interactive canvas that you can customize to reflect your personality, mood, and even your favorite background color.

These updates are not just cosmetic improvements, but rather reflect Apple's move toward enabling users to customize their user experience more deeply and freely.

What do you think of the new icon styles in iOS 26? And what do you think of the new transparent design? Share your thoughts with us in the comments, and don't forget to share the article so everyone can benefit.

Source:

9to5mac

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