iOS 26 has arrived, and it brings a design that’s leaving some users with strong déjà vu vibes. The new Liquid Glass design is nothing short of eye-catching, but in a way that feels very reminiscent of the infamous Windows Vista. 
Whether you love it or hate it, the design definitely evokes a certain nostalgic feeling. And once you notice it, it’s hard to ignore.
For those of us who remember, Windows Vista was launched back in 2006, and the new iOS design is giving off some of the same vibes, from the glossy effects to the overall aesthetic. On one hand, the Liquid Glass look is undeniably sleek and visually interesting, with its transparent icons and shiny finish, but on the other, it feels a bit retro, even borderline outdated for a modern operating system.
The most noticeable change is the all-new Clear Look feature, which turns all your icons transparent, creating a chaotic, glass-like effect across your home screen. While some may appreciate the bold choice, others feel it sacrifices readability and accessibility. In fact, social media reactions are already buzzing with mixed opinions.
Some users are calling it a throwback to a past era, while others see the potential in the design, calling it ‘lickable’ in its own unique way. It’s not hard to see how Apple is trying to bring something fresh to the table, but the question remains: Is this just a visually appealing update, or does it lack the real technological advancements iOS users were hoping for? While other operating systems might catch up in a couple of years, iOS 26 is already pushing boundaries with this new look.
At the end of the day, no major leaps in AI, and the focus seems to be more on style than substance. So, is iOS 26 a game-changer, or is it more of a risky design experiment? The jury’s still out, but we’re eager to hear your take. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.