Liquid Glass is a design language developed by Apple, first announced on June 9, 2025, at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). It is a unified visual theme designed to be used across Apple's operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS.
Key Principles: Apple describes Liquid Glass as a "dynamic material that combines the optical properties of glass with a sense of fluidity." The design aims to create interfaces with clear hierarchy between content and controls, harmony across interface elements and devices, and consistency across different window sizes and displays.
The design characteristics include transparent digital elements that automatically adapt to changing environments. Liquid Glass reflects and refracts light like physical glass, creating contrasting outer highlights that enhance the user experience.
Implementation of Liquid Glass is being integrated into various iOS components, including text elements, sliders, toggles, alerts, panels, and sidebars. Search fields, buttons, menus, and toolbars are also being redesigned with this new aesthetic.
The design draws inspiration from previous Apple interfaces like Aqua, the gaussian blurring introduced in iOS 7, and the Dynamic Island feature. This evolution represents Apple's continued focus on creating intuitive and visually appealing interfaces.
Reception of Liquid Glass has been mostly positive, with designers praising its modern aesthetic and seamless integration across Apple's ecosystem. However, some critics noted similarities to older design aesthetics.
Some observers pointed out resemblances to Frutiger Aero and Windows Aero design languages. Despite these comparisons, Liquid Glass introduces unique elements that distinguish it from previous glass-inspired interfaces.
Concerns about interface readability have been raised by some users, particularly regarding the transparency effects in certain lighting conditions. Apple has stated that accessibility features will be enhanced to address these concerns.
The future of Liquid Glass appears promising, with Apple continuing to refine and expand its implementation across their software ecosystem. Developer guidelines are being updated to help third-party apps adopt this new design language effectively.
As the design language evolves, Liquid Glass represents a significant shift in how we interact with digital interfaces, blending the physical properties of glass with the flexibility of digital design to create a unique user experience that feels both familiar and futuristic.