Disappointed with the new Phone app in iOS 26? Learn how to revert to the previous version.

Apple’s new iOS 26 public beta has arrived, and after taking some time to explore its features, I find myself delighted by its most talked-about aspect: the new Liquid Glass design. While it might occasionally make your phone feel a bit sluggish, its transparency offers a fresh aesthetic. If you feel the default look isn’t quite liquid enough, explore our guide on achieving even greater transparency.

However, after using the iOS 26 beta on my primary device for a while, I’ve noticed a feature that can sometimes impede rather than assist. I’m referring to the new Unified look for the Phone app. Although it’s not enabled by default, the iPhone prompts you to activate it, and naturally, I gave it a go. This Unified look merges your Recents, Favorites, and Voicemail into a single screen, relocating the search bar to an icon in the bottom right corner.

At first glance, this alteration seems to streamline the Phone app and reduce clutter. Yet, in my routine, it has felt somewhat confusing. Typically, I open the Phone app to return a missed call or reach out to a handful of regular contacts. Often, I’m in a hurry—perhaps a delivery has arrived and I missed the call—so I swiftly need to contact the driver to prevent any missed connections. In most instances, I simply require a clear, straightforward list of recent callers along with a search bar at the top.

Fortunately, the Classic look remains an option. To revert to this familiar design, go to the Calls tab, tap on the three lines icon in the top right, and select Classic. Just like that, everything returns to its previous state. Additionally, the Classic look provides a one-tap filter between All and Missed calls at the top of the screen, a feature not present in the Unified look.

It seems Apple anticipated that the new design might require some adjustment, which is why the classic version is still available. There may be many users, like myself, who feel frustrated by the new layout without realizing they can easily switch back. So if the Unified look resonates with you, feel free to enable it; but if you prefer the comforting familiarity of the Classic view, rest assured that it’s still accessible.