In the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, Apple introduced the first major redesign of its platforms since iOS 7 in 2013. The dubbed liquid glass, the new design brings into a translucent material for language elements that behave as a glass in real time. With this, cupertino-based tech veterans are re-designed to re-designed iOS 26, iPados 26, Macos Tahoe 26, Watchos 26, and TVOS 26. This new user interface not only affects the system elements and those on the home screen, but also affects the company’s first-sided apps.
What is liquid glass design language?
One in blog postTech veteran expanded the new design language and stated that it is inspired by “the depth and almint of visionos”, and it uses new graphics technologies. The central focus of the design is a material like glass, which shows and refracts the color of whatever material appears in the background.
Apple stated that this effect was made by presenting background shapes and colors in real time and reacting to dynamic movements. It is said that the material, which is said to be wisely optimized between light and dark environment, is said to have been developed after cooperation between the company’s design and engineering teams.
The company has used Liquid glass material in small elements Such as buttons, switches, sliders, text and media control, as well as large elements such as tab bar and sidebar. It also appears on lock screen, home screen, notification, control center, and more.
Redesign also brings other changes in the user interface. Apple has re -connected the toolbar, tab bar, sidebar and app window with round corners, digging the previous rectangular edges. In-app controls are also made of liquid glass, and they are deployed above the apps. These controls also extend when the user needs more options.
Additionally, the sidebar in updated iPados and Macos is made of liquid glass, and as the user scrolls up or down, expands the bar and reflects the contents behind them. At the same time, the material around the bar is refracted around the edge of the element. The new design elements are present on many first-sided apps, including camera, photo, safari, facetime, Apple music, Apple News and Apple Podcast.
Customicability has also increased with the new design language. But Macos Tahoe 26, User can customize desktop And the dock with widgets and app icons contain new light and dark tint. Additionally, in all platforms, apps are also getting a new, clear form. To complement the appearance, a new transparent menu bar on Mac is also being paired with this upcoming update.