Apple vs Android debate heats up with side-by-side comparison after radical iOS update

Ah, the age-old debate - Apple or Android?

Nine times out of ten, people pick a side and fight their corner until the bitter end, and it appears that the debate rages on - especially following a recent software update.

Unfortunately for the majority of Apple users, iOS 26 has not gone down well, with their new 'liquid glass' update not vibing with those in the tech world.

And it's not just the layout that'll be changing; iPhone users should also expect some new changes in the form of AI updates, app overhauls, new messages, and names for phone updates.

Luckily, though, we've been treated to some hilarious reactions on social media from some of Apple's critics regarding its new interface layout.

What is the new iOS26 update and when is it out?

While the official stable version of the software will launch around the world in September 2025, the beta will roll out in July.

This will be available to all iPhone users via the Apple Beta Software Programme, though the full software is set to be rolled out alongside the upcoming iPhone 17.

It will feature something called 'Liquid Glass', a new material which 'reflects and refracts its surroundings, 'dynamically transforming to help bring greater focus to content', according to the Apple website.

Prepare for controls, app icons, and widgets to change drastically, with designs already being released online of the new tech.

What is Liquid Glass?

Appearing as a fluid, translucent material that features real glass properties and dynamic adaptability, the new feature changes depending on content and context.

The company explained that it 'takes advantage of Apple’s powerful advances in hardware, silicon, and graphics technologies'.

Apple further explain: "Liquid Glass is translucent and behaves like glass in the real world. Its colour is informed by surrounding content and intelligently adapts between light and dark environments."

While it can appear as cool, smooth-moving, half see-through text, a lot of users have taken issue with the new design.

With certain backgrounds and wallpapers clashing with texts, screenshots have been shared online of users struggling to read some of their notifications.

How have Apple and Android users reacted?

There's been a mixture of reactions, with many, as usual, not taking well to the 'Liquid Glass' alterations.

You can always rely on the internet to make a very normal situation, borderline hilarious.

Comparing Oppenheimer to the blinding notifications on-screen might be a bit of an over-exaggeration, but we'll all be looking at our phones like that soon.

pic.twitter.com/fgQdx5ZUsY

— Daniel Nguyen (@daniel_nguyenx) June 10, 2025

Others took to speaking about the Godfather of Apple, the late Steve Jobs.

Talking about the man who conceived the idea for the iPhone itself, one wrote: "Every day we stray farther off Steve’s light.."

Another added: "Steve Jobs would have fired everyone," with a screenshot of the new widget icons, which the user was clearly underwhelmed by.

every day we stray farther off steve’s light.. #ios26 pic.twitter.com/NrfdCXiPt3

— Mert Erdir (@merterdir) June 10, 2025

Steve Jobs would have fired everyone pic.twitter.com/UsiCu6j07u

— Greggertruck (@greggertruck) June 9, 2025

These changes reignited the debate between Apple and Android users too, with many users pointing out the similarities between the phone's interfaces following the soft-launch of iOS 26.

While many are claiming that Android are pulling the concept off 'better' than their iPhone counterparts, with a different user calling the new look an 'abomination'.

What an abomination @Apple 🍎

Time to switch to android pic.twitter.com/XsGed8qAvT

— kanav (@kanavtwt) June 9, 2025

But not all the reactions were negative, with some looking on the bright side.

A different user pointed out: "Let's ignore those readability concerns for a second.

"Look at these satisfying Liquid Glass animations & visual effects on iOS 26," accompanied by videos of the transitions between apps, how it looks to scroll, and new-look icons on the home screen.

Let's ignore those readability concerns for a second.

Look at these satisfying Liquid Glass animations & visual effects on iOS 26. pic.twitter.com/XsVKzxqWqE

— Alvin (@sondesix) June 9, 2025

Unsurprisingly though, one of the more popular and well-liked reactions on X came from a man pointing out the unfortunate placing of a play button on a new video about Liquid Glass, which you can see below.

very unfortunate play button pic.twitter.com/RsxTamA1gL

— juan (@juanbuis) June 9, 2025

Oh dear indeed.

Well, we've got three months to prepare for iOS 26's official launch - this will soon be the reality for many iPhone users.