Apple is giving its entire software lineup a bold new look in 2025 with a fresh visual design called Liquid Glass, launching alongside iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, and more.
This new design language brings transparency, depth, and animation to Apple’s interfaces in a way we haven’t seen since the shift from skeuomorphic design in iOS 7. And yes, it’s a pretty big deal.
What Is Liquid Glass?
Apple describes Liquid Glass as its most expansive design update ever. It brings a glass-like, fluid interface to apps and system elements across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.
It’s not just about looking pretty. These new effects are powered by real-time rendering, which means that elements like buttons, sliders, menus, and toolbars now react to movement and adapt dynamically to your environment, whether in light or dark mode. When you swipe up the lock screen on iOS 26, you’ll see a sleek glass edge. Even the Camera app gets transparent menus and overlays.
Where You’ll See the New Look
The Liquid Glass design is showing up across almost every Apple app:
- iOS 26 and iPadOS 26: Dock, lock screen, media controls, and native apps like Music, Safari, FaceTime, and Photos
- macOS Tahoe 26: Transparent menu bar, redesigned dock, sidebars, and window elements
- watchOS and tvOS: Consistent glass-themed interface updates
Developers will also get new APIs so they can adapt their apps to fit the new style, so expect many third-party apps to follow Apple’s lead soon.
A Bold Shift After Years of the Same Look
Apple’s design hasn’t changed much since iOS 7 dropped the old skeuomorphic style back in 2013. This Liquid Glass update feels like a fresh start — it’s shiny, modern, and clearly inspired by visionOS, Apple’s mixed reality platform.
If you’re getting Windows Vista flashbacks, you’re not alone. Microsoft’s old Aero Glass and current Fluent Design also leaned into transparency. But Apple’s take looks sleeker, smoother, and more polished from what we’ve seen so far.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just a facelift. Apple’s Liquid Glass design in iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26 marks a turning point for the user experience across its devices. It’s visually rich, technically advanced, and could completely reshape how apps look and feel for years to come.
If you’re a developer, get ready to redesign. If you’re a user, prepare for Apple’s most stylish update yet.
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