blog
iOS 26 Liquid Glass UX Review: What Works and What Doesn’t
Apple’s new “Liquid Glass” interface brings a translucent, fluid design language to iOS and macOS. Is it the future of user experience or a risky experiment in aesthetics over usability.
🫧 The Shiny Shift Everyone’s Talking About
Every few years Apple introduces a design change that shakes the industry. Skeuomorphism once made apps look like real notebooks and shelves. Flat design later stripped away those textures in favor of clarity. Neumorphism experimented with soft shadows and depth. Now with Liquid Glass in iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, Apple has once again taken a bold step.
Liquid Glass is more than a color palette change. It is a system of translucency, motion, and layered depth that makes the interface feel alive. Windows shimmer with blurred backgrounds. Buttons fade when idle. Animations respond to light and context. The intention is to create the sensation of looking through glass rather than staring at a flat screen.
It is undeniably striking. For many users, the first reaction is simply “wow.” But after the initial shine wears off, the bigger question appears. Does it actually help people get things done
The Double Edge of Translucency
Transparency in design is not new. Designers have long used frosted layers to create depth or to suggest hierarchy. Apple has pushed this aesthetic system-wide and made it the defining feature of the new release.
The benefit is clear. When done well, translucency makes an interface feel lighter, more dynamic, and more modern. It gives the impression that content floats naturally instead of being locked in rigid frames. Motion guides the eye and helps establish order in complex screens.
The challenge is just as real. Text can become hard to read against shifting backgrounds. Hidden controls may confuse casual users. Constant animations risk drawing attention away from the task at hand. What should feel fluid can quickly feel distracting.
Lessons for Designers and Businesses
Liquid Glass is not only relevant to Apple users. It offers lessons for anyone who designs digital experiences, from large companies to small businesses building their first site.
First, aesthetic innovation grabs attention. Visitors notice when something looks modern and polished. A thoughtful design communicates quality and professionalism before a single word is read.
Second, usability is always the anchor. If people cannot find the booking button or the checkout path, design has failed its job. Test layouts in different conditions and make sure clarity never suffers.
Third, adoption should be intentional. Not every trend fits every project. Borrow elements that enhance your message but avoid those that may frustrate your audience. Good design is about choice, not imitation.
✅ Where Liquid Glass Works
Liquid Glass is not just about looking pretty. In the right situations, it genuinely improves the experience and helps users feel more connected to what they are doing. Here are a few places where it shines:
Smooth multitasking
Animations feel fluid and give better context when switching between apps, making the overall experience more intuitive.Clearer sense of depth
Layered windows help users understand what is in the foreground versus the background, which reduces confusion in busy screens.Subtle guidance through motion
Small animations can direct attention and create hierarchy, as long as they remain understated.Strong fit for creative and lifestyle brands
In apps or websites where aesthetics are part of the value, such as entertainment, fashion, or creative tools. Liquid Glass supports brand identity and immersion.
⚠️ Where It Struggles
As impressive as Liquid Glass looks, it also creates new challenges for usability. These are the main areas where the system risks working against users instead of for them:
Legibility issues
Long passages of text can become tiring to read when placed over translucent backgrounds, especially in bright environments.Hidden interactions
Gestures or controls that fade away may confuse casual users who are not familiar with the system.Excessive motion
Too many animations can feel overwhelming for people who want to accomplish a quick task without distraction.Business risk
A visually striking website that hides the booking button or checkout path may look beautiful but fails its real purpose, helping users take action.Accessibility challenges
Translucent layers and shifting contrasts may not be friendly for users with visual impairments such as color blindness. Designs that rely heavily on subtle transparency can make it harder for everyone to clearly distinguish elements.
What This Means for the Future
Apple has always shaped design trends beyond its own ecosystem. Whether Liquid Glass becomes widely loved or deeply divisive, many designers will borrow from it. Expect to see more translucency, more motion, and more layered effects across apps and websites in the coming year.
The responsibility lies with designers and business owners to filter what matters. Take the sense of depth, the polish of motion, and the feeling of liveliness. Leave the parts that reduce readability or bury important actions. Design is a toolkit, not a checklist.
Thoughts
Liquid Glass may be Apple’s most controversial design system in years. Some see it as visionary while others see it as style over substance. Both views may be correct depending on context.
For designers the takeaway is timeless. Trends rise and fade, but the core principle remains the same. Make it look good, yes, but make it work even better.
At Toko DesignLab we believe small businesses deserve design that delivers both beauty and clarity. Your website should inspire trust and feel modern, but it should also be easy to use and built for results. Unlike Apple, you do not need to gamble on divisive trends to stand out. You need a design partner who puts your users first.
Ready to Take the Next Step
Curious how your website could look with a thoughtful, modern design approach We offer free consultations to walk you through ideas tailored to your business.
For designers who want to explore Apple’s own design resources, you can view their official Figma files here:
👉 Apple Official iOS and iPadOS 26
Blog
Process
