iOS 26 Dock background – please add option to hide or resize

After updating to iOS 26, the Dock at the bottom of the Home Screen has a large background frame that cannot be hidden, even if the Dock is empty.


Many users prefer a cleaner Home Screen without the Dock background. Please add an option in Settings to hide or reduce the Dock size/opacity.

iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Sep 15, 2025 03:13 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 15, 2025 03:17 PM

Attraction37 wrote:

After updating to iOS 26, the Dock at the bottom of the Home Screen has a large background frame that cannot be hidden, even if the Dock is empty.

Many users prefer a cleaner Home Screen without the Dock background. Please add an option in Settings to hide or reduce the Dock size/opacity.

You aren't writing anyone from Apple here. This is a user to user only forum, which no one from Apple participates, nor reads for user feedback. As users, we cannot change anything about iOS. That said, the dock couldn't be removed before iOS 26 as there has never been a setting to turn it on or off.


You are welcome to share your thoughts with Apple here --> Feedback - iPhone - Apple


5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 15, 2025 03:17 PM in response to Attraction37

Attraction37 wrote:

After updating to iOS 26, the Dock at the bottom of the Home Screen has a large background frame that cannot be hidden, even if the Dock is empty.

Many users prefer a cleaner Home Screen without the Dock background. Please add an option in Settings to hide or reduce the Dock size/opacity.

You aren't writing anyone from Apple here. This is a user to user only forum, which no one from Apple participates, nor reads for user feedback. As users, we cannot change anything about iOS. That said, the dock couldn't be removed before iOS 26 as there has never been a setting to turn it on or off.


You are welcome to share your thoughts with Apple here --> Feedback - iPhone - Apple


Sep 15, 2025 03:38 PM in response to Attraction37

Attraction37 wrote:

Thank you for your comment. I understand that the Dock itself has never had an on/off setting in iOS. However, what I’m pointing out is that in iOS 26 the Dock design changed — it now has a large rounded background frame that was not there before.



This new frame remains visible even when the Dock is empty, which makes the Home Screen look heavier. My request is simply for Apple to add an option in Settings to hide or reduce this new Dock background, so users who prefer a cleaner Home Screen can choose.

I understand what you're saying. But we aren't Apple here and we can't change anything in iOS, hence why I provided a link for you to share your thoughts with Apple. Why wouldn't you use the Dock as it's hugely convenient to have your most used Apps (four apps, actually) at the bottom of your iPhone screen. My dock contains the Phone, App Store, Mail and my Apple Watch apps. You could choose any four apps you use most often.

Sep 15, 2025 03:25 PM in response to lobsterghost1

Thank you for your comment. I understand that the Dock itself has never had an on/off setting in iOS. However, what I’m pointing out is that in iOS 26 the Dock design changed — it now has a large rounded background frame that was not there before.




This new frame remains visible even when the Dock is empty, which makes the Home Screen look heavier. My request is simply for Apple to add an option in Settings to hide or reduce this new Dock background, so users who prefer a cleaner Home Screen can choose.

iOS 26 Dock background – please add option to hide or resize

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