Apple is doubling down on its most significant visual overhaul in years, releasing an updated design gallery to showcase the widespread adoption of the “Liquid Glass” aesthetic across its ecosystem. The move signals a concerted effort to move third-party developers away from the flatter interfaces of the past and toward a more depth-oriented, responsive visual language across iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26.
The updated Apple Liquid Glass design gallery serves as both a showcase and a technical blueprint. By highlighting how diverse apps—ranging from productivity tools to travel guides—have integrated these elements, Apple is effectively setting the standard for the next era of user interface (UI) design on its platforms. For developers, the gallery provides a tangible reference for implementing the “natural, responsive experiences” the company is now prioritizing.
Coming from a software engineering background, I’ve watched the industry swing from the heavy skeuomorphism of the early iPhone era to the stark minimalism of the mid-2010s. Liquid Glass represents a sophisticated middle ground. It isn’t just about aesthetics; it is about using translucency and light to create a visual hierarchy that feels intuitive to the human eye, reducing the cognitive load required to navigate complex app layouts.
Bridging the gap between iOS 18 and iOS 26
One of the most striking aspects of the new gallery is the side-by-side comparison. Apple has included screenshots that contrast the design of various apps in iOS 18 against their updated versions in iOS 26. These comparisons illustrate a clear departure from the static, opaque containers of previous versions toward a more fluid, atmospheric approach.
In the latest edition of our new design gallery, find out how teams of all sizes are taking advantage of the new design and Liquid Glass to create natural, responsive experiences across Apple platforms.
The transition is most evident in the structural components of the apps. Developers are now utilizing Liquid Glass for high-interaction areas, such as tab bars, navigation buttons, and bottom toolbars. By applying these effects, the interface feels less like a series of stacked pages and more like a cohesive, layered environment. Apple is also promoting the use of pop-out menu interfaces and separate search buttons—elements that were first introduced in Apple’s own first-party applications but are now being standardized for the broader App Store.
Third-party adoption and implementation
The gallery features a diverse array of apps, proving that the Liquid Glass framework is scalable across different industries and use cases. The featured list includes a mix of utility, productivity, and media apps, demonstrating that the aesthetic works as well for a grocery list as it does for a professional design tool.
- Productivity & Organization: Trello and Fantastical have integrated the aesthetic to streamline navigation.
- Utility & Weather: Carrot Weather and AllTrails use the responsive elements to enhance outdoor data visualization.
- Retail & Media: Kroger and Le Monde have adopted the new design to modernize their user journeys.
- Creative Tools: SketchPro utilizes the depth effects to better organize complex toolsets.
| UI Element | Visual Change | User Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Tab Bars | Translucent, fluid borders | Better context of underlying content |
| Navigation Buttons | Dynamic light-refraction | Clearer tactile feedback |
| Search Buttons | Detached, floating glass style | Faster visual identification |
| Menu Interfaces | Pop-out “glass” layers | Reduced visual clutter |
Iterative refinements and the path to iOS 27
While the core Liquid Glass identity was established at launch, Apple has continued to create surgical refinements to the system. A notable addition is the introduction of a slider bar on the Lock Screen clock, which allows users to manually adjust the “Liquid Glass level.” This provides a degree of personalization over the intensity of the visual effects, acknowledging that different users have different preferences for contrast and transparency.
These small tweaks suggest that Apple is in a period of stabilization rather than radical change. The company is focusing on the polish and accessibility of the design language rather than introducing entirely new paradigms. This iterative approach ensures that developers aren’t forced into a constant cycle of redesigns while still allowing the OS to evolve.
Looking ahead, industry reports suggest that the aesthetic will remain the cornerstone of Apple’s visual identity for the foreseeable future. Rumors indicate that iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 will maintain the Liquid Glass glance with minimal changes. However, there is speculation that Apple may expand the Lock Screen slider into a system-wide setting, allowing for global opacity adjustments to improve visibility or reduce eye strain across all applications.
For those looking to notice the full scope of these changes, the updated guidelines and examples are available through the official Apple Developer design gallery.
The next major checkpoint for these design standards will likely arrive during the annual developer conference, where Apple typically unveils the next iteration of its operating systems and updated Human Interface Guidelines (HIG).
Do you prefer the depth of Liquid Glass or the simplicity of flat design? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
