In what could probably be considered as one of the biggest visual changes across its many operating systems in years, Apple recently unveiled “Liquid Glass”, a new approach to how users can interact with different software platforms on the company’s many devices. Officially revealed during its WWDC 2025 event, Apple also introduced a new naming scheme for its operating systems with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26, a more straightforward unification of its software branding scheme.
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Taking inspiration from real-world design, Apple says that its adoption of Liquid Glass comes in part from its ability to reflect and refract its surroundings, and allows its colour to be influenced by on-screen content and to adjust between light and dark environments. Apple adds that the material’s behaviour is “inspired by the depth and dimensionality observed in visionOS”, using real-time rendering and quick responses to movement. That said, Liquid Glass will be applied to various interface components, including on-screen buttons, switches, sliders, text, media controls, tab bars, and sidebars, as well as the Lock Screen, Home Screen, notifications, and Control Centre.
Apple adds that its design team has also made changes to the controls, toolbars, and navigation within applications, and users will notice that these elements are now configured to align with the rounded corners of contemporary hardware and app windows. Liquid Glass controls will essentially appear layered on top of app content, and will morph based on user interaction.
Tab bars and sidebars have also been redesigned. In iOS 26 for example, tab bars will shrink during scrolling to allow more focus towards on-screen content, expanding when users scroll back up. In iPadOS and macOS, updated sidebars will subtly meld into the background while reflecting surrounding elements and the user’s wallpaper. Users will notice these changes within first-party apps such as the Camera, Photos, Safari, FaceTime, and Apple Music, to name a few.
The new design also extends to other user interactions on different system experiences across platforms. On the Lock Screen for example, the time display will adaptively fit behind the subject of photo wallpapers, while the Dock, app icons, and widgets on the home screen and desktop will be rendered with multiple layers of Liquid Glass, for more varied customisation options. Users on macOS Tahoe 26 will also be able to customise the desktop and Dock with widgets and app icons with new light and dark tints and a clear appearance.
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With all that being said though, Liquid Glass isn’t exactly a new concept outside of Apple—a similar approach can be seen on Microsoft’s “Aero” design language (from 20 years ago), as well as any variety of Android icon packs over the past decade. It rolls out later this year.
