iOS 26 adds new Liquid Glass icons — here's how to transform your iPhone homescreen

**iOS 26 Adds New Liquid Glass Icons — Here's How to Transform Your iPhone Home Screen**

Apple has always taken pride in its design philosophy, and with iOS 26, it's taken aesthetics to a whole new level. "Liquid Glass Icons," a visually striking and fluid reimagining of app icons that blends style and substance, is a design change introduced in the most recent iPhone update. This update is a dream come true for anyone who enjoys a sleek, futuristic home screen. The design of Liquid Glass is more than just a minor update. These icons look like molten glass that has been molded into beautiful, minimalistic shapes and feature depth, light play, and semi-transparency. It is a significant departure from iOS 7's flat icon design, combining contemporary elegance with a subtle 3D effect. The outcome? A more immersive, tactile experience that feels alive under your fingertips.

But how can you change your iPhone's home screen by using these new Liquid Glass icons? Here's everything you need to know — from activating the new design to fully customizing your layout.

### Enabling Icons for Liquid Glass By default, iOS 26 keeps the classic icon style turned on after installation. To enable Liquid Glass Icons, follow these steps:

1. **Click on Settings** Head into your iPhone’s Settings app.

2. [Click on Display & Brightness] In the Display section, scroll down to the new “Icon Style” option.

3. Choose "Liquid Glass" Tap on the brand-new preview of Liquid Glass. Before making the change, your system will ask for your approval. The new Liquid Glass style will be adopted by your entire app icon ecosystem once enabled, including system apps and compatible third-party apps. ### Making Your Home Screen Your Own iOS 26 doesn’t stop at just a new icon style. It also introduces powerful new customization tools to let users personalize every aspect of their home screen:

Control over the depth and tint of icons New sliders in the same "Icon Style" menu let you change the intensity of light refraction, shadow depth, and color tint. Do you want your icons to look moodier at night and shimmer more in daylight mode? These effects can be set to change automatically based on focus mode or time. Wallpaper synchronization Wallpapers that change with Liquid Glass icons are included in iOS 26. For example, a “Frosted Aurora” wallpaper causes your icons to glow slightly and reflect the aurora hues. These wallpapers adapt in real-time to gestures like swipes and taps, creating a more immersive feel.

*Packs of Themed Icons Themes are finally accepted by Apple. Through the App Store, you can now download verified Liquid Glass icon packs in different styles — from matte glass to vibrant neon liquid. The Shortcuts app is now easier to use and allows you to install custom packs. Tips for Getting a Seamless Look * Stick with a color scheme Match your wallpaper, icon tint, and widgets to a primary color scheme, such as cool blues or warm ambers. A visually pleasing home screen is made possible by this consistency. * Reduce clutter. When not overcrowded, Liquid Glass icons shine at their best. Focus Filters or the App Library can be used to hide apps you rarely use and show only the ones you need. Make use of transparent widgets Glass-like or transparent widget skins are available from a number of recent third-party widget apps. Pair these with Liquid Glass icons for a unified look.

* Make Use of Stackable Widgets Stack similar widgets (like calendar, weather, and reminders) into smart stacks to save space and reduce visual noise.

### Thoughts at the End Apple has improved the iPhone user experience with iOS 26, combining cutting-edge design with easy customization. The Liquid Glass icons are more than just a cosmetic upgrade; they are also a part of a larger trend toward interactive, dynamic, and personal design. Taking full advantage of iOS 26's Liquid Glass features can give your home screen a stunning makeover, whether you're a design enthusiast or just want your phone to feel more "you." Explore your style options and the settings on your iPhone to make it the most beautiful it has ever been.