Apple Refines Its Controversial Liquid Glass Design
▼ Summary
– Apple announced updates to its Liquid Glass design at WWDC 2026, aiming to improve readability by diffusing content behind it for better depth and separation.
– Users will get a new slider and settings to adjust Liquid Glass from ultra clear to fully tinted, as Apple won’t force the new look.
– Apple is redesigning app icons on iOS and MacOS to look more refined and cohesive, complementing the Liquid Glass design.
– Liquid Glass customizations will work within third-party apps at launch, benefiting developers.
– Apple acknowledged user feedback on the polarizing design, stating it iterated over the past year and will continue to refine Liquid Glass.
At this year’s WWDC 2026 on Monday, Apple addressed the backlash surrounding its Liquid Glass design, a controversial visual overhaul introduced last year. While the sleek, transparent aesthetic won over some users, many complained that it was difficult to read. Now, Apple is rolling out changes that could win back the skeptics.
The company stated it is “updating the foundations of how Liquid Glass is built to ensure exceptional readability.” To achieve this, Apple plans to diffuse “complex content” behind the interface, creating greater depth and separation between content panels for a clearer visual hierarchy.
Perhaps the most significant shift is that users will no longer be forced into a single look. “Since everyone’s preference varies, we’re adding a new slider and settings to adjust Liquid Glass, so you can set it anywhere from ultra clear to fully tinted,” Apple explained.
Alongside this, Apple will refresh its app icons across iOS and MacOS, aiming for a more refined and cohesive appearance that complements the Liquid Glass framework. Developers will also benefit: Liquid Glass customizations will work within their apps from launch, ensuring a seamless experience.
The importance of these changes was underscored by Apple leading its WWDC keynote with a promise that Liquid Glass will improve. “Like with all major design updates, there is a natural process where we take a bold leap forward, and then we continue to iterate,” the company said during its presentation. “Our team really appreciates your feedback, and we considered it deeply as we refined the new design over the past year.”
(Source: TechCrunch)
