Apple Introduces Translucent Design Update "Liquid Glass" for iOS 26
Apple has unveiled its latest software update, iOS 26, featuring a groundbreaking translucent design called Liquid Glass. This major interface overhaul marks the first design refresh from the tech giant in a decade and is currently available to developers, with a public beta expected next month.
A Glimpse of the New Design
The Liquid Glass design introduces a modern aesthetic, giving app icons, buttons, menus, and pop-ups a frosted glass appearance. This visually striking look allows blurred background colors to subtly emerge through the interface, enhancing the user experience across Apple devices. The update isn’t limited to iPhones; this glassy style, inspired by the operating system of the Vision Pro headset, will be rolled out across Apple’s entire product line, including iPads and smartwatches.
Developer Responses to the Update
Following the WWDC 2025 keynote on Monday, numerous design-centric developers have expressed both enthusiasm and concern regarding this significant update. Allan Yu, a product designer associated with the workplace messaging application Output, noted that the new transparency might hinder readability for some users. “Certain elements can be difficult to read due to excessive transparency,” Yu observed, suggesting that adjustments to blurriness or background colors could enhance legibility.
Josh Puckett, co-founder of Iteration, a design consultancy for startups, echoed these sentiments. “Much like the initial beta of iOS 7, early impressions of Liquid Glass seem somewhat rudimentary and could pose challenges in readability, particularly for users with visual impairments.” Nonetheless, Puckett remains optimistic that Apple will refine the readability aspects in future updates, building on its commitment to accessibility.
User Experience Under Varied Conditions
Serhii Popov, a software engineer at MacPaw, creators of the CleanMyMac app, expressed curiosity about how the new operating system’s look would perform under bright lighting conditions, where glare can pose visibility issues. He praised the refreshing design, stating, “This update makes everything appear larger and improves the comfort of interacting with the user interface, particularly on iPads.”
However, several designers raised concerns about potential distractions from the new design elements. Adam Whitcroft, a designer at Owner.com, commented on the impressive technical execution behind mimicking light refraction and dispersion, yet warned that it might detract from user experience. “The visual effects are commendable, but there are instances where they overwhelm the user interface, diverting attention away from crucial elements,” he stated.
Conclusion: A Promising Yet Challenging Update
While the Liquid Glass design for iOS 26 represents a bold and innovative step for Apple, developers and designers alike are keenly aware of the balance needed between aesthetics and functionality. The forthcoming public beta will likely provide deeper insights as users navigate the challenges and benefits of this fresh interface. As Apple continues its commitment to design excellence, stakeholders will be observing closely to see how improvements unfold in the usability of this unique new interface.
