Apple has long been recognized as an innovator in technology and design, and its latest announcement at the WWDC 2025 showcases this reputation with the introduction of the Liquid Glass design language. Developed for all Apple’s devices, this new aesthetic aims to transform the user interface experience into something that feels more fluid and dynamic. The boldness of Liquid Glass is apparent; it introduces a translucency that allows users to glimpse the underlying elements of their screens, effectively adding depth. However, while the concept is exciting, the execution raises questions about clarity and usability.
The idea behind Liquid Glass is not just to create visual novelty but to offer a more immersive interaction. By making app icons, tab bars, and other interface elements appear to float over the background, Apple is attempting to blend the virtual world with reality. The execution, however, may need further refinement. For instance, the visually striking changes can be jarring to users, especially those accustomed to the more familiar, traditional interfaces that Apple has established over the years.
The Transparency Challenge
Despite the appeal of a shiny, glassy surface, the reality of the Liquid Glass design comes with significant drawbacks. Immediately apparent are the compromises made in readability and usability. Take the Control Center, for example: what should be a straightforward tool quickly becomes overwhelming. The abundance of transparency has resulted in a cluttered appearance, which could lead to confusion when trying to access essential functions on the go. It’s essential that Apple reassesses this imbalance; design should not come at the cost of functionality.
Moreover, the redesigned icons and buttons are undeniably eye-catching but can feel overly spherical and bubbly, diminishing the sharpness that many users prefer. The balance between aesthetics and practicality is sensitive—one small shift can either enhance or detract from overall user experience.
Evolving Initial Reactions
At first glance, my reaction to the Liquid Glass design was predominantly negative, which is surprising given my history of embracing Apple’s UI changes. The frustration stemmed from the drastic departure from the established norms, yet as I spent time interacting with iOS 26 in its developer beta stage, my feelings began to evolve. While there are aspects I continue to find problematic, such as excessive whitespace in the Settings app and awkward spacing in the Messages interface, I started to appreciate the subtle details that the Liquid Glass design brings.
For instance, the new animation when switching between tabs in apps like Clock, where the selector mimics a water droplet’s movement, adds a layer of engagement that was lacking beforehand. It’s these small innovative touches that could eventually win skeptics over if the more problematic features can be polished prior to the official release.
Looking Ahead
One cannot dismiss the fact that Apple thrives on iterative improvement. As with previous updates, it’s likely that the developer feedback will help the company iron out issues before the final release later this fall. Still, the experimental nature of Liquid Glass will undoubtedly invite scrutiny. The way this design language merges functionality with beautiful visuals deserves careful consideration and continued user testing.
There is a broader implication in play with the introduction of Liquid Glass, as it signifies Apple’s ambition to redefine the user experience yet again. Whether or not this initiative is successful remains to be seen, but it serves as a reminder of the company’s unyielding quest for innovation, even when it means risking alienating loyal users familiar with a more classic design philosophy. The balancing act between cutting-edge aesthetics and everyday usability will be key as Apple navigates its path forward with this radical new approach.
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