With iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, Apple has introduced a fresh visual upgrade called the Liquid Glass design, and one of the standout features is the ability to make app icons look sharper and more vibrant than ever.
If you love a clean, high-definition look on your Home Screen, there’s now a native way to make app icons look clear. In this guide, I’ll show you how to enable this new setting and enjoy crisp, enhanced icons on your iPhone or iPad.
Show Clear App Icons on iPhone and iPad
- On your iPhone or iPad, head over to the empty space on the Home Screen.
- Now, long-press on the screen and hit the Edit button at the top left.
- Next, choose Customize in the drop-down menu.
- Next up, tap the “Clear” tab and then choose the preferred variant like “Light, “Dark” or “Auto”.
- Note that if you choose the “Auto” option, your device will automatically make your app icons light or dark for an optimal viewing experience.
- If you want to remove the app labels and make the icons larger, tap on the tiny buttons at the top right corner of the menu.
- Once you have customized your apps, tap anywhere outside of the menu, and you are all set!
- And that’s how you can activate the new clear app icons feature in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, thanks to Apple’s beautiful Liquid Glass design.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I update my iPhone to the latest version of iOS?
Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install. Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has a sufficient battery charge.
2. Can I downgrade to an earlier version of iOS after updating?
Apple generally does not allow downgrades once it stops signing the older version. You can only revert to a previous iOS version if Apple is still signing it.
3. How do I back up my iPhone before updating iOS?
You can back up your iPhone using iCloud by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tapping Back Up Now. Alternatively, use Finder on Mac or iTunes on Windows to create a local backup.
4. Will updating iOS delete my data?
No, updating to a newer iOS version does not delete your data. However, it’s always recommended to back up your device before updating in case something goes wrong during the process.
