Apple unveiled a bold visual overhaul across its operating systems, introducing a new interface design language called Liquid Glass at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference.
The redesign, described as glossy, reflective, and semi-transparent marks the most significant aesthetic shift for the iPhone since the flat design debut of iOS 7 in 2013.
Although the iPhone may not be seeing a major leap in artificial intelligence features this year, it is receiving a visual transformation intended to unify Apple’s software ecosystem across devices, from phones and tablets to the Vision Pro headset.
Unveiled by Alan Dye, Apple’s Vice President of Design, the Liquid Glass interface draws inspiration from the Vision Pro’s spatial computing environment. It uses visual elements that emulate real glass translucent layers, light refraction, and reactive movement creating a dynamic, immersive experience.
“This redesign reflects the optical qualities of glass and a fluidity that only Apple can achieve,” Dye said during the keynote.
The new design impacts everything from app icons to system interfaces like the Lock Screen, Notifications, and Control Center. The update introduces adaptive visuals that respond in real time to user interaction and environment. For instance, the interface changes appearance based on light and dark surroundings, and elements like alerts emerge directly from where the user taps.
Apple says this update will improve clarity in navigation and controls. The newly designed icons, described as being sculpted from layered liquid glass, will be available in three modes: light, dark, and a new “clear” mode.
This aesthetic shift not only enhances visual appeal but also hints at Apple’s long-term ambitions in spatial computing. With the Vision Pro headset already on the market, the Liquid Glass interface may be a precursor to operating systems designed for augmented reality devices, such as potential AR glasses in the future.
While not packed with new AI capabilities, this year’s update sets the stage for a more unified and immersive Apple ecosystem—one pane of glass at a time.
