Samsung Galaxy’s ‘Liquid Glass’ Redesign: First Look
▼ Summary
– Samsung’s One UI 8.5 beta introduces a new design language with changes that feel inspired by Apple’s Liquid Glass UI in iOS 26.
– Specific design similarities include a new floating back button and floating navigation bars with rounded sides in Samsung’s apps.
– The update also incorporates transparent elements in apps like Gallery and a 3D “pop top” effect for buttons in the Calculator app.
– The author notes this creates a growing design divide between Samsung’s UI/apps and the Google/third-party apps used on Galaxy phones.
– One UI 8.5 will be available on Galaxy phones starting in 2026 and is currently in beta on the Galaxy S25 series.
The latest beta for Samsung’s One UI 8.5 offers a first glimpse at the company’s evolving design philosophy, revealing a notable shift toward interface elements that bear a striking resemblance to Apple’s Liquid Glass aesthetic in iOS 26. While not a wholesale adoption, the update introduces several visual tweaks that feel distinctly familiar to users of recent iPhones, marking a curious departure as Google’s Material 3 design language continues to gain widespread acclaim.
A prominent change is the introduction of a new floating back button within the Settings menu and various first-party Samsung applications. This element mirrors a similar navigation tool found in Apple’s latest iOS iteration. Furthermore, Samsung’s apps now feature floating navigation bars with softly rounded edges, a design cue heavily associated with the Liquid Glass look, as seen in the revamped dialer application.
Transparency effects have also made their way into the software. The Gallery app, for instance, incorporates subtle see-through layers in its interface, adding a modern, glossy sheen. Another clear example is the Calculator app, where the buttons now possess a three-dimensional “pop top” appearance that closely echoes the tactile, bubbly style Apple has popularized.
From a practical standpoint, these changes aren’t necessarily problematic. Samsung’s interpretation seems to borrow some of the more palatable aspects of Liquid Glass, avoiding the overwhelming transparency that characterized early versions. However, the strategic direction feels somewhat unexpected. At a time when Google’s Material You design system is celebrated for its cohesive and expressive flexibility, Samsung appears to be drawing significant inspiration from its chief competitor in the mobile space.
This move further accentuates a growing visual divide on Galaxy devices. The experience between Samsung’s own skinned applications and the Google or third-party apps that users rely on daily is becoming increasingly distinct. While Samsung is free to chart its own course, the decision to lean into an Apple-inspired aesthetic while the broader Android ecosystem coalesces around Material Design is certainly noteworthy.
One UI 8.5 is currently in a beta phase available for the Galaxy S25 series. The full public rollout is anticipated to begin in 2026, likely following the debut of the Galaxy S26 lineup.
(Source: 9to5 Google)
