Apple has officially unveiled its most significant visual update in years with the announcement of a new user interface design language called ‘Liquid Glass’, set to roll out across iOS 19 and macOS 15. The design overhaul, introduced during the keynote at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, marks a significant leap in Apple’s design and user experience.
The Next Generation of Interface Design
The ‘Liquid Glass’ UI represents a real change in how Apple visualizes user interaction. Inspired by the clarity and depth of real glass, the design introduces layered translucency, dynamic light play, and smooth motion effects to improve the sense of structural presence across devices.
For example, on the iPhone lock screen, the smart, glass-like time display expands or shortens to accommodate background visuals and incoming notifications, enriched by a delicate, interactive floral animation.
Key Features of the ‘Liquid Glass’ Interface
1. Transparent and Glass-Inspired Elements
User interface components such as control panels, app icons, and system visuals like the dock and lock screen are now built with multiple layers of crystal-clear, reflective surfaces. These elements simulate real glass, capturing and bending light to create a lifelike, shimmering effect.
2. Fluid Transitions and Morphing Effects
Interface elements smoothly transform and blend during user actions, such as scrolling or switching screens, delivering a smooth, liquid-like animation that improves the sense of continuity and motion.
3. Introducing the “All Clear” Theme
Joining the familiar Light and Dark modes, the new “All Clear” visual style features transparent, colourless app icons. This option accepts a minimalist aesthetic, supporting the futuristic look of the redesigned interface.
4. Enhanced Depth with 3D Visuals
Apple uses machine learning to intelligently add layers of depth to background images and lock screen photos, giving the display a more natural, immersive appearance with a slight three-dimensional effect.
Developer Impact and App Integration
To support this transition, Apple is releasing a new set of UI tools and APIs under SwiftUI and UIKit, enabling developers to create custom apps that align with the Liquid Glass design standards. A beta version is now available through the Apple Developer Program, with extensive documentation and design templates included.
Apple highlighted backward compatibility, assuring developers that existing apps will continue to function while being encouraged to use the new visual elements for optimal performance and appearance.
Release Timeline
The ‘Liquid Glass’ interface will be introduced with the public releases of iOS 19 and macOS 15 in September 2025. Beta versions are currently available for developers, with a public beta scheduled for July.
With ‘Liquid Glass,’ Apple is not just refreshing its interface; it’s redefining the visual language of its ecosystem. Merging aesthetic beauty with functional depth helps Apple aims to deliver a more emotionally engaging and context-aware user experience across its entire product line.
