Apple is making a significant shift in its software design approach across various platforms by introducing a new interface known as Liquid Glass. This redesign, inspired by visionOS, features a translucent and fluid look that will be implemented on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other devices within the Apple ecosystem. Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, described it as a rare project, akin to innovation that appears only once a decade, during its announcement at WWDC25. Liquid Glass marks the largest interface redesign since iOS 7 launched in 2013.

For the first time, Apple is aiming to unify design elements across all its platforms. Historically, the company has focused on maintaining consistent design within individual platforms, as seen with Mac’s famous Human Interface Guidelines. However, this initiative seeks to standardize the overall appearance and user experience across Apple’s entire ecosystem, a bold and ambitious endeavor. Alan Dye, Apple’s vice president of human interface design, expressed that this is the broadest design update the company has ever undertaken.

With the introduction of a universal design language, users can expect a more harmonious experience when transitioning between devices, while still appreciating the unique aspects of each platform. The Liquid Glass design will be present across various operating systems, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26. Dye elaborated that the design is influenced by the “physicality” of visionOS and aims to create natural, responsive digital interfaces. The Liquid Glass UI reflects light, reacts dynamically to user inputs, and adapts based on content and context, offering a lively, interactive experience.

Federighi noted that advancements in Apple silicon have made it possible for this new design to come to life, ensuring a consistent user experience across Apple devices.