By James Rogerson
Copyright techradar
Skip to main content
the technology experts
België (Nederlands)
Deutschland
North America
US (English)
Australasia
New Zealand
View Profile
Search TechRadar
Popular Phone Brands
Samsung Galaxy
Google Pixel
Operating Systems
More from Phones
Network Carriers
Phone Accessories
Phone Reviews
Phone Buying Guides
Phone Deals
Chromebooks
Windows Laptops
Gaming Laptops
Desktop PCs
Websites & Apps
Wi-Fi & Broadband
Social Media
Cyber Security
Peripherals
Popular Computing Brands
More from Computing
Computing Reviews
Computing Buying Guides
Computing Deals
Computing News
AI Platforms & Assistants
Apple Intelligence
TV Insights
TV Buying Guides
More for your TV
Home Theatre
Streaming Devices
Entertainment
Prime Video
How to Watch
Smartwatches
Fitness Trackers
Exercise Equipment
Fitness Headphones
Fitness Apps
Smart Rings
Watch Brands
Apple Watch
Google Pixel Watch
Samsung Galaxy Watch
Oral Health
More from Fitness
Fitness News
Fitness Reviews
Fitness Buying Guides
Fitness Deals
Earbuds & AirPods
Wireless Headphones
Wireless Speakers
Portable Players
Audio Streaming
Apple Music
More from Audio
Audio Reviews
Audio Buying Guides
Audio Deals
VPN Services
VPN Security
Camera Types
360 Cameras
Camera Brands
More from Cameras
Camera Accessories
Camera Lenses
Camera Reviews
Camera Buying Guides
Camera Deals
Camera News
Photography
Home Security
Smart Speakers
Smart Lights
Smart Scales
Smart Thermostats
Amazon Echo
Small Appliances
Air Quality
Coffee Machines
Robot Vacuums
Home Brands
Philips Hue
More from Home
Home Reviews
Home Buying Guides
Popular Brands
Tech Radar Pro
Tech Radar Gaming
View Phones
Popular Phone Brands
Samsung Galaxy
Google Pixel
Operating Systems
More from Phones
Network Carriers
Phone Accessories
Phone Reviews
Phone Buying Guides
Phone Deals
View Computing
View Laptops
Chromebooks
Windows Laptops
Gaming Laptops
Desktop PCs
View Software
Components
View Components
View Internet
Websites & Apps
Wi-Fi & Broadband
Social Media
View Security
Cyber Security
View Tablets
Peripherals
View Peripherals
Popular Computing Brands
More from Computing
Computing Reviews
Computing Buying Guides
Computing Deals
Computing News
AI Platforms & Assistants
Apple Intelligence
TV Insights
TV Buying Guides
More for your TV
Home Theatre
Streaming Devices
View Streaming
Entertainment
Prime Video
How to Watch
View Fitness
Smartwatches
Fitness Trackers
Exercise Equipment
Fitness Headphones
Fitness Apps
Smart Rings
Watch Brands
Apple Watch
Google Pixel Watch
Samsung Galaxy Watch
Oral Health
More from Fitness
Fitness News
Fitness Reviews
Fitness Buying Guides
Fitness Deals
Headphones
View Headphones
Earbuds & AirPods
Wireless Headphones
View Speakers
Wireless Speakers
Portable Players
Audio Streaming
View Audio Streaming
Apple Music
More from Audio
Audio Reviews
Audio Buying Guides
Audio Deals
VPN Services
VPN Security
View Cameras
Camera Types
360 Cameras
Camera Brands
More from Cameras
Camera Accessories
Camera Lenses
Camera Reviews
Camera Buying Guides
Camera Deals
Camera News
Photography
Smart Home
View Smart Home
Home Security
Smart Speakers
Smart Lights
Smart Scales
Smart Thermostats
Amazon Echo
Small Appliances
View Small Appliances
Air Quality
Coffee Machines
Robot Vacuums
Home Brands
Philips Hue
More from Home
Home Reviews
Home Buying Guides
View Browse
Popular Brands
Tech Radar Pro
Tech Radar Gaming
iPhone Air review
iPhone 17 Pro review
iPhone 17 Pro Max review
iPhone 17 review
Best laptop
Best web hosting
NYT Wordle today
Don’t miss these
Apple’s Liquid Glass redesign in iOS 26 is cracking – here’s why that’s a good thing
New iOS 26 beta fixes the one thing everyone hated about Liquid Glass
I’ve been using iOS 26 for a month – here are 3 things I love and 1 I don’t
I’ve been using iOS 26 for months – here are the 5 things you should try first
Ignore the haters – Apple’s Liquid Glass theme is one of my favorite parts of macOS Tahoe
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I actually think the iPhone 17 Pro looks fantastic
I spent a week testing iOS 26’s new camera app – here are the 3 things I like and the 2 I don’t
iOS 26 public beta is now live – here are the 5 biggest new features to try
iOS 26 not downloading? Try these workarounds to get you up and running
iOS 26 beta 6 brings more surprise upgrades to your iPhone – and I’m already using my favorite one
Not getting the iPhone 17? Make your current iPhone feel new again with these 5 tips
I can’t deal with any more bad software rollouts – here’s hoping iOS 26 and One UI 8 bring a change of direction
Hybrid & Electric Vehicles
I’ve tried CarPlay’s new iOS 26 makeover – here are my 5 favorite upgrades
iOS 26 lands today – here’s exactly when it’s coming to your iPhone, and which models are compatible
Apple Intelligence
iOS 26 is here – 5 of the best Apple Intelligence features to try right now
iOS 26 users say Liquid Glass is causing eye strain and vertigo – here are the possible fixes
James Rogerson
18 September 2025
One user called Liquid Glass an “optical nightmare”
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
The iPhone 17 Pro
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
Reddit users are reporting dizziness, vertigo, and eye strain with iOS 26
This seems to stem from visual effects making icons appear tilted
There are steps you can take to reduce the issue
It’s safe to say that iOS 26 hasn’t had the smoothest launch – following reports that users regretting the update due to battery life and text legibility issues, we’re now hearing reports of some even more serious issues.
Numerous Reddit users (via Phandroid) have reported that the new Liquid Glass design can make icons appear tilted – particularly when there’s a dark wallpaper or when using the ‘Dark’, ‘Clear’, or ‘Tinted’ icon themes, rather than sticking with the default icons.
The effect is leading some users to feel dizzy, develop eye strain, or even report feelings of vertigo. One poster described it as “an optical nightmare”, another claimed “this update is making me feel drunk”, and there are many other similar posts.
You may like
Apple’s Liquid Glass redesign in iOS 26 is cracking – here’s why that’s a good thing
New iOS 26 beta fixes the one thing everyone hated about Liquid Glass
I’ve been using iOS 26 for a month – here are 3 things I love and 1 I don’t
Icons appear tilted for some users in this image (Image credit: tantunidevourer)
Escape the effect
Fortunately there are possible fixes to try out. For one thing, you could stick to the default icon style and use a bright wallpaper. That should make the effect less visible, but may not fully solve the problem for everyone.
Another step you can take – as detailed in our guide to making iOS 26 easier on your eyes – is to go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size and toggle on ‘Reduce Transparency’.
You might also want to increase the contrast, the toggle for which can be found on the same screen.
Of course, having to jump through these hoops just to make your phone usable isn’t ideal. Perhaps Apple could make some tweaks to the Liquid Glass interface design in a future update, to help with visibility.
Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox
Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
We’ve reached out to Apple for comment and will update this article if we hear back. Until then, be sure to check out our in-depth iPhone 17 review, iPhone Air review, iPhone 17 Pro review, and iPhone 17 Pro Max review.
You might also like
5 hidden features in iOS 26, including iMessage polls and faster Reminders
After a week with the iPhone 17, I’m convinced it’s the best-value iPhone ever
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is the best iPhone I’ve ever tested and I love it – even in Cosmic Orange
See more News about Phones
James Rogerson
Social Links Navigation
James is a freelance phones, tablets and wearables writer and sub-editor at TechRadar. He has a love for everything ‘smart’, from watches to lights, and can often be found arguing with AI assistants or drowning in the latest apps. James also contributes to 3G.co.uk, 4G.co.uk and 5G.co.uk and has written for T3, Digital Camera World, Clarity Media and others, with work on the web, in print and on TV.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
Apple’s Liquid Glass redesign in iOS 26 is cracking – here’s why that’s a good thing
New iOS 26 beta fixes the one thing everyone hated about Liquid Glass
I’ve been using iOS 26 for a month – here are 3 things I love and 1 I don’t
I’ve been using iOS 26 for months – here are the 5 things you should try first
Ignore the haters – Apple’s Liquid Glass theme is one of my favorite parts of macOS Tahoe
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I actually think the iPhone 17 Pro looks fantastic
Latest in iOS
5 hidden features in iOS 26, including iMessage polls and faster Reminders
Not vibing with Liquid Glass in iOS 26? Here’s how to make it easier on the eyes
iOS 26 not downloading? Try these workarounds to get you up and running
The iOS 26 rollout is closer than ever, and Apple has just released the final developer beta – here’s what’s new
4 surprising ways you can gain control of your kid’s screen time on the iPhone and iPad
Scheduled messages are the hottest trend on iPhone and Android – here’s 13 times you might want to send that text later
Latest in News
Huawei throws massive 1-million NPU gauntlet at Nvidia and AMD as it positions itself an alternative to US AI giants
1Password and Perplexity partner on Comet AI browser – a full time personal assistant with security by default
The Summer I Turned Pretty season 4 isn’t happening, but Belly’s story is far from over
SMBs are turning to AI to solve their problems – but many are still cautious to go all-in
iOS 26 users say Liquid Glass is causing eye strain and vertigo – here are the possible fixes
Meta Connect 2025 – 7 things we learned from a packed keynote with plenty of smart glasses
LATEST ARTICLES
iOS 26 users say Liquid Glass is causing eye strain and vertigo – here are the possible fixes
Huawei throws massive 1-million NPU gauntlet at Nvidia and AMD as it positions itself an alternative to US AI giants
1Password and Perplexity partner on Comet AI browser – a full time personal assistant with security by default
The Summer I Turned Pretty season 4 isn’t happening, but Belly’s story is far from over
SMBs are turning to AI to solve their problems – but many are still cautious to go all-in
TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.
Contact Future’s experts
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Advertise with us
Web notifications
Accessibility Statement
Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street,
Please login or signup to comment
Please wait…