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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.
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
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Design | Translucent, glass-like aesthetic |
| Platforms | iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26 |
| Reactions | Mixed; concerns about readability and functionality |
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?
Evergreen Insights on iOS Design
Apple’s iOS has consistently evolved since its inception, with each iteration introducing new design elements and functionalities. The shift from skeuomorphism to flat design marked a significant turning point, emphasizing simplicity and clarity. Liquid Glass represents another step in this evolution, exploring the potential of translucency and dynamic adaptation.
According to Statista, Apple’s iOS accounts for approximately 27% of the global mobile operating system market share as of May 2025, demonstrating its continued relevance and influence in the tech industry.
The company’s design choices often set trends that influence other tech companies and shape user expectations for mobile interfaces. the success of Liquid Glass will depend on its ability to enhance usability while maintaining visual appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions About iOS 26 and Liquid Glass
- What is the main feature of iOS 26?
- The main feature of iOS 26 is the new “Liquid Glass” design, which introduces a translucent, glass-like aesthetic across the operating system.
- How does the Liquid glass design affect the user experience?
- The Liquid Glass design aims to provide a more immersive and dynamic user experience by reflecting and refracting the surrounding content.However, some users have raised concerns about readability and visual distortion.
- Which devices will support iOS 26 with the Liquid Glass design?
- The Liquid glass design will be available on devices that support iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS tahoe 26, tvOS 26, and watchOS 26.
- Can I disable the Liquid Glass design if I don’t like it?
- Details on customization options for the liquid Glass design are still emerging. Check your device’s accessibility settings for options to reduce transparency or adjust visual effects.
- What are the benefits of the Liquid Glass design?
- Apple claims the Liquid Glass design makes apps and system experiences more expressive and delightful while remaining instantly familiar. It adapts to light and dark environments and is informed by surrounding content.
- Is the iOS 26 Liquid Glass design resource-intensive?
- The impact of the Liquid Glass design on device performance is still being evaluated. Users with older devices may experience reduced performance compared to newer models.
- Where can I find more details about iOS 26 and Liquid Glass?
- Visit Apple’s official website or reputable tech news outlets for the latest information and updates on iOS 26 and the Liquid Glass design.
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.