Thoughts on Liquid Glass

Liquid Glass is Apple’s new take on software design in iOS 26, distinguished by its translucent and reflective qualities that seamlessly adapt to the physical environment. This innovation aims to elevate the visual experience of apps, maintain contextual awareness, and improve system interactions while preserving user familiarity.

Apple’s Liquid Glass clearly serves as a precursor to augmented reality glasses. This UI, where elements appear to float in mid-air, elegantly interacts with the background without obstructing it. That background could be a device interface, or, the natural world.

I’m pretty excited at the prospect of a world where digital interfaces can blend unobtrusively with our surroundings, enhancing rather than intruding. Though I can’t imagine myself wearing AR glasses all day, every day, there’s something interesting about just-in-time UI being visible over the top of your natural environment.

The vision of Liquid Glass extends beyond mere aesthetics; it embodies a deeper philosophy, one where technology enhances human experience without becoming a barrier. On its surface, it may just appear to be a coat of paint, but I actually think Apple has set a new benchmark for how we interact with digital environments.

In everyday scenarios, imagine seamlessly switching between apps while maintaining awareness of your surroundings. Liquid Glass makes this possible by integrating digital elements unobtrusively into our reality. It’s about making technology feel like an extension of us rather than an intrusion.

Ultimately, Liquid Glass isn’t just about UI; it’s about redefining expectations. It challenges us to rethink what’s possible when we allow our minds to wander and consider what might be possible on digital screens today, without limiting ourselves by skeuomorphic reality or ultra minimal flat design.

As teams continue pushing boundaries, Liquid Glass stands as both a reflection of our current capabilities and a beacon for what lies ahead.