Apple Introduces “Liquid Glass” New Software Design Bringing a More Expressive, Elegant, and Delightful Appearance
On June 9, 2025, Apple officially introduced its latest software design called “Liquid Glass.” This update debuted alongside iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26.
One of the main highlights of this update is the introduction of a new design material called "Liquid Glass." This material provides a soft transparent and reflective effect, creating a modern, light, and dynamic visual impression throughout the application and system interfaces. Liquid Glass is designed to maintain a familiar feel for longtime users, yet brings a significant visual refresh.
What Is Liquid Glass?
It is a transparent interface material resembling liquid glass that adjusts its color and appearance based on the content and surroundings. It uses real-time rendering and specular highlight effects to create UI elements that feel lively and shimmering. It replays smooth and dynamic liquid-shaped visual waves, mimicking the visionOS aesthetic.
Design Touches in Every Element
Controls & Toolbar: From buttons and sliders to navigation, all wrapped in layers of Liquid Glass, with rounded corners that harmonize better with modern Apple device designs.
Dynamic Navigation
In iOS 26: the tab bar shrinks as the user scrolls and expands back when scrolling up.
On iPadOS/macOS: the side bar reflects and refracts the content behind it, enhancing the user’s sense of spatial context.
Refreshing System Appearance
Lock Screen: The time is displayed in Liquid Glass style, dynamically adapting to the wallpaper.
Dock, icons, widgets: Constructed from transparent layers, with light, dark, or clear display options — and in macOS Tahoe 26, the menu bar is fully transparent, offering a sense of a more expansive screen.
With Liquid Glass, Apple delivers a cutting-edge visual revolution, combining the beauty of liquid glass with cross-platform interface compatibility. From aesthetic touches to functional enhancements, this design is not merely a visual update—but the foundation for a future of more immersive and elegant digital experiences.