iOS 26 represents the biggest UI revamp Apple has done in years since iOS 7. It features a new glass-like effect across the entire OS, which some love and some hate. However, there is the question of how it will fare on older iPhones? Turns out, Apple has made some animation tweaks in the latest iOS 26 beta that should make it feel faster.
iOS 26 feels faster with updated animations
In the iOS 26 beta 6, Apple has overhauled Springboard’s app launch animations to feel faster. We haven’t tried it out for ourselves, but a 9to5Mac report claims launching apps feels faster than before. So much so that it could make the update feel snappier, even on older iPhone models.
The report claims that the difference in animation timing is actually pretty small, about 150 milliseconds faster than before. However, the pacing is what really brings it home. Plus, over prolonged use, 150 milliseconds does add up to a lot of time saved. If you feel that the current iOS 18 is a bit too “slow” or “unresponsive”, then maybe iOS 26 could be what the doctor ordered.
So, when is iOS 26 coming?
At the moment, Apple hasn’t stated when exactly iOS 26 will be released. The company first unveiled it at WWDC 2025 a few months ago. However, assuming that Apple keeps to schedule, we should be able to expect its release alongside the iPhone 17. Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 flagship models in September, or so the rumors claim, so we might not have to wait too long.
Like we said, iOS 26 is the biggest design overhaul to iOS in years. While the new Liquid Glass design language looks sleek and modern, some have criticized it over legibility issues. The glass-like interface has a lot of transparent/translucent elements. This makes certain icons or text hard to read.
Apple toned down the transparent effects in an earlier beta, but later brought it back. It is unclear how the masses will react to these UI changes, but it would have been nice if Apple at least gave users a toggle so they could adjust it themselves.
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