iOS 26 ‘Liquid Glass‘ Design Sparks Mixed Reactions After Apple’s WWDC Reveal

Apple’s unveiling of the “Liquid Glass” design for iOS 26 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 has triggered a wave of reactions, ranging from admiration to criticism. The new aesthetic, characterized by its translucent, glass-like appearance, aims to provide a more immersive and dynamic user experience. However, some users are questioning its practicality and readability.

What is Apple’s ‘Liquid Glass’ Design?

Liquid Glass is a software design that uses a translucent material intended to reflect and refract its surroundings, dynamically adapting to bring greater focus to content, according to Apple. Alan Dye, Apple’s vice president of Human Interface Design, described iOS 26 as the company’s “broadest software design update ever,” blending the optical qualities of glass with a unique fluidity.

Did You Know? Apple’s iOS 18, released in 2024, focused heavily on user privacy features, including enhanced app tracking clarity and secure paste functionality, according to Apple’s official press release.

The design extends across multiple platforms, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, and watchOS 26. Apple CEO Tim Cook described it as “Expressive. Delightful.But still instantly familiar.”

Initial Reactions and Concerns

While the concept of Liquid Glass has garnered some praise, its execution has faced scrutiny. A primary concern revolves around the readability of notifications and the potential for visual distortion caused by the translucent app outlines. Some users feel the design prioritizes aesthetics over functionality.

One X user commented, “The new liquid glass looks abysmal and is a perfect example of focusing on form/prettiness/design over of functionality/readability/practicality like, what are we doing here.”

Concerns have also been raised about whether the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs would have approved of the design. Referencing a famous quote from Jobs, one user wrote, “Steve Jobs had very famously said that design was how it effectively works, not how it looks…his thoughts on liquid glass would have been interesting.”

Others have expressed disappointment that Apple focused on the Liquid glass display rather of further developing the AI upgrades introduced at the previous WWDC.

Social Media Buzz and Memes

The declaration of Liquid Glass has sparked a flurry of memes,critiques,and discussions across social media platforms. Users have shared their opinions, both positive and negative, frequently enough accompanied by humorous visuals.

Here’s a sample of the social media conversation:

Let’s ignore those readability concerns for a second. Look at these satisfying Liquid Glass animations & visual effects on iOS 26. pic.twitter.com/XsVKzxqWqE

– alvin (@sondesix)
June 9, 2025

The thing is, Liquid Glass looks great at the component level, like the ones in this video. But once you put everything together and fill the screen, it turns into noise and makes things feel way too crowded.pic.twitter.com/MIMsEZUfkD

– Shayan (@ImSh4yy)
June 9, 2025

Apple’s Liquid Glass rollout is actually genius: the design ensures that you can’t read the comically-wrong Apple Intelligence notification summaries. pic.twitter.com/b2KBBYRmc1

– Trung Phan (@TrungTPhan)
June 10, 2025

Liquid glass: A Summary

Pro Tip: Consider adjusting your device’s transparency settings to optimize readability if you find the Liquid Glass design distracting.

The Future of iOS Design

The reception of Liquid Glass highlights the challenges of balancing aesthetic innovation with user experience. As Apple continues to refine its design language, feedback from users will likely play a crucial role in shaping future iterations of iOS.

what are your initial thoughts on the Liquid Glass design? Do you think it enhances or detracts from the user experience?

What features would you like to see in future iOS updates?

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Apple’s iOS 26 and the Liquid Glass design. For specific advice or technical support, consult Apple’s official resources or a qualified professional.