Is iOS 26.2 making smaller screens seem more cramped?

[golfnut1982]

After I updated my 15 Pro to 26.2 the UI margins and safe areas seem more cramped, and "smaller" phones feel “shrunk in” and content doesn’t take full advantage of the display. There also seems no way to reclaim that space, which seems unfair. iOS 18.7.2 at least seemed to take the background elements and go edge to edge of the screen. Am I imagining this? Anyone else feel their screen real estate is not being fully utilized, or am I over blowing this? I'm sure this is no issue on the 6.3" and up phones.

 

[kitKAC]

I have a 14 Pro and the UI looks no different on 26.2 then it did before.

 

[golfnut1982]

I have a 14 Pro and the UI looks no different on 26.2 then it did before.

Try enlarging or shrinking the text and let me know if the background expands or contracts to the edges, assuming you are not on iOS 26.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Sounds like yet another reason to keep my 13 mini on iOS 18.

 

[golfnut1982]

Found some screenshots I had. There is a difference between iOS 18 and 26 regarding the edges. The following settings are under Display and Brightness. These pics shows the new software is now optimized for looks and uniformity and may exhibit why it seems cramped on smaller screens. Screenshots from a 15 Pro.
Photo 1: iOS 18.7.2 Zoom at 135%, edge to edge. I don't have a 100% screenshot, but I remember the edges shrinking
Photo 2: iOS 26.2 Display - Zoom Default
Photo 3: iOS 26.2 Display - Zoom Larger Text