Apple has recently unveiled Liquid Glass, its new design language for iOS 26 and macOS 26. It’s sleek, futuristic, and promises a fresh visual identity.
But let’s face it – as always, it will be copied and emulated to death.
For those of us who have been following Apple’s product releases, it’s no surprise that when the company introduces something new, its rivals are quick to jump on the bandwagon. Whether it’s hardware or software, we’ve seen it time and time again, and Liquid Glass will be no exception. But is that really a good thing? Well, let’s dive into it.
First things first, we should acknowledge that Liquid Glass is still in beta. This means that what we’re seeing right now is far from finalized. With constant updates, it’s tough to make any definitive judgments. But so far, my experience with the design has been a bit underwhelming. I’ve tested it on both the iPhone and Mac, and the aesthetics just feel off. There’s something about the glass-like interface that doesn’t quite hit the mark. Apple might not be able to pull off this visual overhaul in a way that convinces everyone it’s an upgrade.
Let’s not forget that Apple has a habit of introducing design elements that seem bold at first but fade into obscurity later. The Liquid Glass aesthetic feels like a new coat of paint to distract us from the bigger issues – like Siri, which is still struggling to be a reliable assistant
. The visual changes might grab headlines, but what about the functionality? Siri is still glitchy, and that’s not something Liquid Glass can fix.
Looking back, we see that glass-inspired designs aren’t new. Windows Vista, released over a decade ago, made waves with its glass-like interface, and even though it was initially criticized, it had its fans. Windows 7 leaned into this aesthetic as well, and it worked – not only because of the look but because it was more functional. And before that, Mac OS X brought us Aqua in 2000, an iconic design that has since evolved into what we now call Liquid Glass.
So, is Liquid Glass truly groundbreaking? Not really. It’s a rehash of ideas that have been around for years. And while Apple may try to push this new aesthetic, it’s likely that we’ll see other companies adopt it quickly. Android, for example, has recently embraced Material 3 Expressive, which is a step forward in its own right. But will this be the end of Liquid Glass copying? I doubt it.
It’s almost certain that we’ll see this design style appear in Android lock screens and menus, further blurring the lines of brand identity.
Apple’s rivals often follow suit when it comes to popular features, but they can also innovate in ways Apple hasn’t. The beauty of the tech world is that new ideas are constantly being explored, and sometimes they come from unexpected places. Still, when it comes to design, the trend is clear: if Apple does it, others will follow.
In the end, Liquid Glass might be the next big thing… or it might be another fleeting trend. But one thing’s for sure – it won’t stay unique for long. Whether you love or hate it, Apple’s influence is undeniable, and we’re likely to see this design language everywhere soon enough.
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