When iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26 are released this fall, they will launch with a new software design that Apple is calling Liquid Glass. Apple made the announcement at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 keynote address on Monday. The Liquid Glass design features a translucent user interface that dynamically transforms to draw more focus to the content on the screen. The new software design represents Apple’s most significant software update ever.
Apple says the new Liquid Glass design is inspired by the “depth and dimensionality” of the visionOS. The latest software design uses the capability of Apple silicon and graphics to deliver a user interface that behaves like glass in the real world. The Liquid Glass colour in the display is informed by the surrounding content, allowing it to adapt intelligently between light and dark environments.
The Liquid Glass design transforms the experience across all devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. All apps, including the controls, toolbars and navigation within apps, now fit “perfectly concentric” with the rounded corners of the hardware. When scrolling on iOS 16, the tab bars and sidebars now adapt and dynamically shrink to bring focus on the content on the screen, whilst still making navigation instantly accessible.
The first beta version of iOS 26 for developers is available for download, giving app makers time to optimise their apps for the OS before it is finally released this fall.
Image: Apple
