Apple has unveiled a sweeping overhaul of its operating systems at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, introducing a new visual identity known as Liquid Glass, the most significant design transformation since the launch of iOS 7 in 2013.
Described by Apple as its “broadest software design update ever“, the Liquid Glass interface brings a translucent, dynamic, and visually immersive aesthetic across all major platforms, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.
“We wanted to create something beautiful, deeply functional, and intuitive across all devices,” said Alan Dye, Apple’s Vice President of Human Interface Design. “Liquid Glass brings texture, light, and spatial depth in a way that feels both modern and timeless.”
The redesign introduces glass-like translucency, responsive lighting, and seamless motion effects that adapt in real-time as users interact with their devices. Menus, buttons, and panels appear to float in layers, offering an enhanced sense of depth and fluidity.
The update also includes subtle but impactful changes to Apple’s core apps such as Safari, Messages, Maps, and Music all of which now follow the new design language. iPadOS 26 introduces window resizing and a desktop-style menu bar, while macOS Tahoe 26 features a streamlined dock, a translucent menu bar, and redesigned folders.
The redesign is expected to create a more cohesive experience across Apple’s expanding ecosystem, especially as it leans further into spatial computing with visionOS.
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Apple has also introduced updated developer tools and APIs to support Liquid Glass, enabling third-party apps to adopt the new design with minimal friction. The public beta will be available from July, with a full rollout anticipated later in the year alongside the iPhone 16.
Despite widespread acclaim for the aesthetic overhaul, some industry commentators have noted similarities to Microsoft’s discontinued Aero Glass interface from Windows Vista. Apple, however, has emphasised the performance efficiency of Liquid Glass, crediting the optimisations enabled by its Apple Silicon chips.
Apple’s share price dipped slightly following the keynote, as expectations around AI enhancements such as a more capable Siri were not fully realised during the presentation. However, the company has confirmed that further AI-related updates are in development and will be revealed in the coming months.
