The ongoing rivalry between Android and iOS users often erupts into playful banter, with each side highlighting their platform's strengths. However, a recent iOS 16 update has sparked more than just friendly teasing. Apple's new Liquid Glass design, intended to enhance the aesthetic appeal of iOS, has inadvertently created a visual anomaly that's leaving some users feeling disoriented.
Specifically, the way app icons are rendered in dark mode with Liquid Glass is causing a problem. As highlighted on Reddit, the lighting effects applied to icons create a subtle, yet noticeable, optical illusion. A specular highlight in the upper-left corner of each icon makes them appear slightly skewed or tilted. This effect is amplified when the device is in motion and not in low-power mode, causing the highlights to shift, further exacerbating the disorienting visual effect.
While the issue might be less perceptible to some, numerous users have voiced their frustration, expressing regret over the update. The unexpected and somewhat nauseating visual effect has led to widespread discussion, with users debating whether Apple should have anticipated this outcome. The situation highlights a potential design oversight that demonstrates the complex interplay between visual aesthetics and user experience.
While Android's own icon theming history has had its share of inconsistencies, it hasn't resulted in a widespread issue as visually disorienting as this. This incident prompts a discussion about the importance of thorough testing and the potential unintended consequences of visually ambitious design choices. Is this a minor annoyance, or a significant design flaw that warrants immediate attention from Apple? The debate continues.
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Originally published at: https://www.androidauthority.com/liquid-glass-vertigo-3598657/
