Apple users who were hoping for a big visual overhaul in iOS 27 may have to wait.
Writing in his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says the company has no plans to significantly change the Liquid Glass interface introduced in iOS 26, at least for this year.
iOS 27: focus on fixes, not visual redesigns
Gurman notes that Apple will focus iOS 27 primarily on bug fixes and improvements rather than sweeping design changes. The most notable addition might be a new version of Siri with integrated chatbot functionality, but beyond that, Apple isn’t expected to alter the core interface.
This news is significant because the Liquid Glass design has been divisive among users. While some appreciate the translucent effects and layered aesthetic, others have criticized it for making text harder to read and for creating a visually distracting experience.
Design team changes won’t impact the UI
Speculation arose after Apple’s design lead Alan Dye left the company in December 2025 to join Meta, with some assuming that his departure could signal a shift away from Liquid Glass. Gurman, however, explains that this is extremely unlikely:
- Apple’s design decisions are corporate-level choices, not the vision of a single employee.
- Dye did not unilaterally create the iOS 26 interface.
- The company still supports the Liquid Glass design internally and sees value in its aesthetic.
Going back to older iOS styles, such as the iOS 18 interface, would be seen as a retreat. Developing another visual overhaul so soon would also be a major undertaking.
Personal take: purists may criticize, but Liquid Glass has staying power
As someone who has used iOS 26 extensively, I can understand why some purists may grumble about the Liquid Glass UI. The transparency effects can be distracting in certain lighting conditions, and readability isn’t perfect across every app.
That said, I see no reason why Apple should drop it entirely. The UI already offers the ability to customize the glass effect, letting users tweak transparency levels to suit their preferences. There is room for further polish, especially in fine-tuning contrast and legibility, but the core design adds a sense of depth and modernity that older iOS styles simply can’t replicate.
What Users Can Expect
In short, iOS 27 is likely to:
- Keep the Liquid Glass UI intact
- Focus on stability, performance improvements, and bug fixes
- Introduce a more advanced Siri chatbot feature
- Make minor refinements rather than major aesthetic changes
For iPhone and iPad users, this means no sudden design shake-ups this year. Apple is betting on continuity and stability, while still leaving room for subtle customization.
