Liquid Glass Finally Makes Sense on the iPhone Duo
Apple has updated its 'Liquid Glass' design language in iOS 27 following user criticism regarding legibility and distracting visual effects. The update introduces a new slider in settings that allows users to adjust the clarity and tint of the interface, marking a return to functional design principles.
Why it matters
This shift reflects Apple's responsiveness to user accessibility concerns and a potential pivot back to core usability principles in software design.
“With all major design updates, there’s a natural process where we take a bold leap forward, and then we continue to iterate,” said Apple's human interface designer, Shubham Kedia, during a predictably sleek keynote video. “Our team really appreciates your feedback, and we considered it deeply as we refined the new design.”
Not quite “Sorry, everyone, we messed up,” but for Apple, practically an apology tour. The subject was Liquid Glass, Apple’s most divisive interface design since at least iOS 7. Apple's Vision Pro mixed-reality headset (which itself flopped) inspired the translucent design language, and the company brought it to millions of other Apple devices.
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