Apple has done it again — shaking up the tech world with a design leap that’s as beautiful as it is functional. Announced at WWDC 2025, the Liquid Glass design language is Apple’s most dramatic visual overhaul in years, arriving with the upcoming iOS 26 update this September.
But what exactly is Liquid Glass, and why is it such a big deal for both users and UI/UX designers? Let’s break it down.
What Is Liquid Glass?
Liquid Glass is Apple’s new interface design style that brings a sleek, glass-like aesthetic to every corner of the operating system. Think of it as the fusion of smooth transparency, light play, and adaptive motion — making your iPhone, iPad, and Mac feel like a seamless sheet of illuminated glass.
Instead of static, flat visuals, Liquid Glass offers:
- Glass-like transparency for a premium, airy feel
- Real-time light reflections that respond to movement
- Floating menus that adapt to your content
- Unified design language across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS
It’s not just a visual upgrade — it’s a new user experience philosophy.
The Big Number Jump: From iOS 18 to iOS 26
You might be wondering: “Wait… what happened to iOS 19 through 25?”
Apple has decided to align iOS numbering with its year-based naming strategy — similar to macOS. That’s why the next release jumps straight from iOS 18.6 to iOS 26, signalling a fresh era for Apple design.
Key Features of Liquid Glass
1. Glass-Like Transparency & Motion
Menus, panels, and backgrounds now feature subtle transparency, giving a layered depth effect. Scrolling and swiping feel smoother thanks to refined motion physics.
2. Real-Time Light Play
Liquid Glass uses advanced rendering to simulate realistic light reflections — your device feels alive as lighting changes around you.
3. Floating, Adaptive Menus
Buttons and pop-ups appear as if they are hovering over your content, adjusting their position and size based on what’s on-screen.
4. Unified Cross-Device Experience
Whether you’re on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or Apple TV — the design language stays consistent, making switching between devices more intuitive.
Why This Matters for UI/UX Design
From a UI/UX perspective, Liquid Glass isn’t just eye candy — it’s a case study in how aesthetic choices affect usability.
- For Designers: Expect more demand for glassmorphism-inspired app designs. Elements like light, depth, and transparency will become essential for brand consistency on Apple platforms.
- For Developers: App interfaces will need adjustments to blend seamlessly with Liquid Glass’s layered design.
- For Businesses: A modern, polished look can influence user trust and engagement, especially in premium markets.
When Will You Get Liquid Glass?
- Current Version: iOS 18.6.1 (released August 14, 2025)
- Next Update: iOS 26 (launching mid-September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17)
If you own a compatible device, you’ll get the update for free. Developers and beta testers can already explore Liquid Glass via the iOS 26 beta program.
Final Thoughts
Liquid Glass is more than a design update — it’s Apple signalling its vision for the next generation of digital experiences. By merging beauty with usability, Apple is setting the tone for UI/UX trends in 2025 and beyond.
As the rollout approaches, one question remains: How will you adapt your designs to meet this new standard?
