If you're getting tired of staring at the same old design that's barely changed since Apple debuted iOS 7, Apple's finally mixing things up. At WWDC today, the Cupertino-based giant showed off its "broadest design update ever." And though you'll still be able to tell its iOS or macOS without blinking twice, this one comes with a hint of déjà vu.
Apple's new design uses "Liquid Glass" and echoes of Vista
Apple's software redesign is crafted with a new translucent material called Liquid Glass, which "reflects and refracts its transforming." The new Liquid Glass design is exactly what it sounds like: it adds glass-like elements throughout the software and is designed to mimic how glass behaves in the real world. It's inspired by the "depth and dimensionality" of Apple Vision Pro's software. Liquid Glass’s color is informed by the content that surrounds it, adapts between light and dark environments, and dynamically reacts to movement, too.
From the slider you use to shut down your iPhone to larger elements like the tab bars, the material extends across the entire software. You'll also notice it in places like the Lock Screen, Home Screen, Control Center, and more.
It aims to bring "greater focus to content" and deliver "a new level of vitality across controls, navigation, app icons, widgets, and more." Unlike past tradition, Apple is refreshing its entire design language across iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26 in one sweep. Yeah, you read that right—Apple did indeed end up changing its new naming scheme. What was supposed to be iOS 19 is now iOS 26.
And although Apple jumped several years ahead with its software version names, its new look ironically feels like it took a step back in time. Microsoft first debuted translucent glass effects when it launched Windows Vista in 2007 with its Windows Aero theme. Apple has been experimenting with glass-like elements for a while now. For instance, you’ll see a glimpse of the glass effect when you open the app folder on iPadOS or open the Control Center on macOS.