Apple is introducing a new Liquid Glass aesthetic for iOS 26, macOS 26, and every other software platform. Regardless of whether you’re a fan, dislike it, or feel neutral, Apple’s latest design appears to be a significant triumph in several key aspects.
## Software redesigns carry risks, but Apple embraced the opportunity
Redesigning software is always a gamble. Apple learned this from last year’s significant overhaul of the Photos app, which didn’t resonate well with many users. Due to the potential pitfalls tied to major updates, I was skeptical about the prospect of a new iOS rejuvenation. Nonetheless, Apple decided to engage not only iOS but also macOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS with this year’s Liquid Glass redesign.
This is no small feat. Yet, judging by what Apple has publicly unveiled, I believe Liquid Glass could represent a substantial victory for both the company and its users. With iOS 26 and its related releases, Apple has successfully developed a new design that fulfills four essential criteria.
## Four reasons iOS 26’s Liquid Glass design excels
iOS 26 remains in beta and is bound to evolve before its official launch. Nevertheless, based on what Apple has revealed so far, I find it a success. Apple’s new Liquid Glass design accomplishes four key objectives. It is:
1. Vibrant and enjoyable, giving Apple products a refreshing appearance
2. Still very recognizable, not too disruptive for users
3. Harmonizing of different products for an enhanced cross-platform experience
4. And it sets the stage for upcoming hardware developments
That’s quite an achievement for a single redesign, but I believe Apple has managed it. Whether Liquid Glass is a measurable enhancement over previous designs is up for debate. Opinions will vary. However, the new design undeniably offers a fresh, appealing look and feel for Apple products that is pleasing to have.
At the same time, everything operates similarly to how it did previously. There’s little in the new design that necessitates a steep learning curve, in contrast to iOS 18’s Photos app. Apple has also significantly unified its various platforms. Ecosystem has long been a cornerstone of Apple, and with the Liquid Glass design, transitioning between diverse products will feel more integrated than ever.
Lastly, this design was undoubtedly conceived with future hardware in sight as well. What could be a better combination for Liquid Glass than a pair of Apple Glasses? Or an all-screen iPhone? In one impressive effort, Apple aims to achieve a major success with its new aesthetic. Let’s revisit in September to see how the public truly responds.
What do you think of Apple’s new Liquid Glass design in iOS 26? Share your thoughts in the comments.
