For the first time, I've bought a competing phone and am actually considering switching long term because my iPhone is close to unusable with the new UI updates. I bought an 18 Pro Max and returned it because the screen was uncomfortable to view without causing significant eye strain and headaches. User interface elements all had a glow effect that was hard to look at for more than a few minutes. I tried changing all the screen settings I could. Adjusted the PWM, color filters, reduced the white point, but the screen still looked too harsh and had too much contrast. It was difficult even looking at the icons on the lock screen that normally show the camera button on the right and flash light on the left. Color saturation also looks slightly jarring.
After doing some research I saw that iOS 27 implements HDR (high dynamic range) and EDR (extended dynamic range) throughout the user interface elements. I guess the user interface now has a high dynamic range like effect that allows for elements of the UI to have a higher white point producing a glowing like effect. Apple if you're reading this, please place a toggle to turn this off. I enjoy my Apple products but looking at HDR like interface elements is harsh on the eyes. The glow around Siri is not problematic since it's only brief.
If anyone knows how to turn off the glow/shimmer on the UI please give me tips below otherwise I may have to put down iPhones in search of something more eye friendly and less headache inducing.
I have a Mac, iPad, 2 apples TVs, and an iPhone air. I'm deeply entrenched within the Apple ecosystem and genuinely enjoy the products, but the UI must also be gentle on the eyes and mind.
