iOS 26 adds a visually subtle rainbow effect when glass overlays stack. It’s a small but stunning touch Apple fans noticed.
A neat little detail has emerged in iOS 26 Developer Beta 1. When system UI layers with Apple’s signature “glass” effect overlap, they now create a rainbow-like refraction — something users are excitedly calling “prism glow.”
Via: u/BOOP-79 (Reddit)
As seen in the Control Center when multiple transparent panes overlap (like the music card over Quick Settings), iOS 26 subtly refracts light between them, producing a soft rainbow band.
This aesthetic effect isn’t documented by Apple but was first spotted by u/BOOP-79 on Reddit, who shared a video showing this UI behavior in action. It’s purely cosmetic but aligns with Apple’s attention to micro-interactions and design polish.
User Reactions:
- “Okay this is wild. What a subtle touch. So Apple.” – u/cuboid121
- “I thought I was imagining it. Glad someone else saw it too.” – u/ethancelesta
- “Kinda unnecessary, but sure, I guess?” – u/sp33d1
- “This feels very much like something from macOS Big Sur days.” – u/DocStrange92
- “Apple is bored at this point, huh?” – u/ExoticCabbage
- “Now I kinda want this effect systemwide, not just in Control Center.” – u/thetattedtechie
This might not be a headline feature, but for longtime iOS fans, it’s the kind of visual flair that makes the OS feel alive. Little surprises like this prove Apple’s polish game is still unmatched.
