Apple’s Liquid Glass Update: Designers Weigh In on Its Beauty and Readability Challenges

Apple recently unveiled a significant design update for iOS 26, known as Liquid Glass. This major change introduces a fresh, translucent look for app icons, buttons, and menus that mimic frosted glass, allowing background colors to blend softly through. Developers now have access to the update, with a wider public beta expected next month.

This new aesthetic isn’t limited to iPhones. It will gradually roll out across all Apple devices, including iPads and smartwatches, drawing inspiration from the Vision Pro headset.

Following Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote, many designers expressed excitement about the update, but some raised concerns about readability. Allan Yu, a product designer at Output, noted, “Some parts are hard to read due to transparency.” He suggested that increasing the blur or adjusting backgrounds could improve clarity.

Josh Puckett, co-founder of Iteration, echoed these concerns. He likened the early version of Liquid Glass to the beta of iOS 7, stating, “It’s rough around the edges and might distract users, especially those with visual impairments.” However, he remains hopeful that Apple’s commitment to accessibility will lead to enhancements.

Serhii Popov from MacPaw shared his thoughts on how the new design might fare in brightly lit environments. Yet, he finds the overall look refreshing and believes it will enhance user interaction, particularly on iPads.

On the technical front, Adam Whitcroft, a designer at Owner.com, commends the intricate design work but warns that elements like light refraction and dispersion could distract users. He believes the UI’s elegance should complement its functionality rather than divert attention.

Apple’s bold direction with Liquid Glass signifies a shift in user experience design, making it essential for both developers and users to engage in discussions about usability and accessibility as the update rolls out.



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