The necessity for a new design paradigm has been brewing for quite some time, but the urgency has increased with the approaching 20th anniversary of the iPhone and the introduction of the Vision product line. Apple is likely aiming for widespread adoption of this new design language well before the anniversary, which allows for a smoother transition for users and ample time for the company to refine its own offerings. As we move forward, it seems Apple hardware is becoming virtually invisible.
With the Vision products providing an experience where users look through the hardware, and with iPhones trending towards a bezel-less design, we are evolving towards a “magic sheet of glass” concept. These developments signal a significant shift in both hardware and software, prompting Apple to overhaul its software to better align with this new era. Apple’s design guidelines assert that the intention behind Liquid Glass is to enhance the design language by acting as an element that “sits on top of the content layer.” Its application is meant to be selective, emphasizing the most critical control points rather than serving as the content layer itself.
Importantly, the “content layer” is evolving; it will encompass not just apps but also the physical world around us. Liquid Glass is intended to become the ideal AR ‘material,’ seamlessly integrating into both real-world and digital content. Ultimately, Liquid Glass aims to be the universal material that signals to users where interaction occurs, whether it’s a button in an app or an interactive feature visible through AR glasses years down the line.
This is an exciting prospect, as it hints at what the next few decades of Apple products might entail. I also anticipate that the new lensing effect seen on the iOS 26 lock screen will be consistently featured around the edge of the 20th anniversary iPhone’s screen, effectively enhancing the illusion that the device acts as a magical gateway into its software.
Leave a Reply