what updates are needed to make my app icon compatible with iOS 26?

Asked on 06/11/2025

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To make your app icon compatible with iOS 26, you need to update it to align with the new design system introduced by Apple. Here are the key steps and considerations:

  1. Use Icon Composer: Apple has introduced a tool called Icon Composer to help you update your app icons. This tool allows you to take advantage of the new Liquid Glass design, which brings depth and vitality to app icons. You can create icons with different appearances, such as Default Dark, Clear, Light, Clear Dark, Tinted Light, and Tinted Dark. For more details, you can check out the session Create icons with Icon Composer.

  2. Design System: The new design system unifies the iconography across Apple platforms, making it easier to design icons for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Watch. The design system includes a new grid and rounded rectangle shape for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, and a circular grid for watchOS. You can find templates for Figma, Sketch, Photoshop, and Illustrator on the Apple Design Resources website. For more information, see the session Say hello to the new look of app icons.

  3. Layering and Materials: When designing your icon, consider using layers to represent different depths, which can enhance the visual effect of Liquid Glass. The materials are designed to adapt and scale to your icon, ensuring consistency across different platforms. For a detailed workflow, refer to the session Create icons with Icon Composer.

By following these guidelines and utilizing the tools provided by Apple, you can ensure that your app icon is compatible with iOS 26 and takes full advantage of the new design aesthetics.