The latest design language from Apple, Liquid Glass, is being unveiled. Liquid Glass is a design philosophy centered around layering software components that mimic real glass, resulting in a more organic appearance rather than a strictly digital one.
This concept is quite fascinating. In recent months, during its beta testing phase, the idea has been substantially polished since Apple first presented it at the WWDC 2025 conference. While Liquid Glass is not yet perfect, it boasts numerous advantages. Below are several features I find appealing, along with one aspect that requires attention.
Streamlined controls are appealing
A significant part of the Liquid Glass redesign entails the simplification of controls, which is a logical choice. Translucent controls are visually attractive, but when they are overly large and prominent, they can become annoying. Apple has fine-tuned controls in various sections, and although it necessitates some adaptation, using the iOS 26 beta has led me to appreciate these modifications.
For instance, in Safari, iOS 26 showcases new Liquid Glass controls that initially mirror the previous ones, featuring a URL bar, navigation buttons, and a settings menu. However, as you begin to scroll, the controls minimize to a compact URL bar at the bottom, enhancing webpage visibility. It looks fantastic. To regain access to the controls, simply tap the URL bar at the bottom or scroll upward a bit. It takes some time to adjust, but it works effectively.
The revamped camera application serves as another illustration. Upon launching, it exclusively displays Photo and Video modes, which is practical for average users who do not require additional modes, especially since portrait settings are now attainable outside of portrait mode. For enthusiasts like myself, those modes remain accessible by scrolling sideways. They are easy to locate if you know their placement, and this alteration makes the Camera app less daunting.
Lock screens appear stunning
The Liquid Glass effect has also been incorporated into the lock screen, and I am fond of its aesthetics. Notifications and widgets have historically had some level of translucency, but the Liquid Glass effect refines this further.
All digital components on the lock screen are capable of showcasing the Liquid Glass effect, including the time display, widgets, and notifications. They can either be transparent or colored, which can look impressive depending on your lock screen image.
Alongside the Liquid Glass effect on the lock screen, there is a new spatial scenes feature that offers photographs with a parallax effect, giving them a three-dimensional appearance when tilting your device. It’s a captivating feature that performs well. There’s also a new full-screen music option displaying album artwork and controls on the lock screen while playing music. You can activate it by tapping the album art, and I find it appealing.
Apple’s software now feels more cohesive
One of the most notable benefits of Liquid Glass is not just its visual appeal in iOS 26 but its ability to unify Apple’s entire product ecosystem. Liquid Glass bridges iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, and iPadOS 26 in a manner that prior versions did not achieve. Apple’s software has always maintained coherence, but Liquid Glass enhances it further.
This isn’t to suggest that the redesigns of these operating systems are without flaws. There are critiques regarding macOS 26 and the changes made by Apple, but I value the integration of Liquid Glass. I also appreciate how iPadOS has progressed with Liquid Glass and new productivity enhancements, allowing the iPad to resemble a laptop more closely.
Apple hasn’t fully perfected Messages yet
The Messages app is also set to receive a Liquid Glass overhaul, but I have reservations about some of the modifications. Similar to other applications, menu bars have been substituted with floating controls. In conversations, you will notice floating Liquid Glass back buttons, FaceTime buttons, and a contact or group chat label.
The floating contact bubble appears somewhat awkward, particularly with the image and label extending further down the screen than the back and FaceTime buttons. To emphasize these controls, Apple has incorporated a fade effect into chats, fading to white at the top with a light background or darkening with an image. It’s not a significant problem, but it feels somewhat disorganized.