Is Apple’s Liquid Glass Design in iOS 26 Worth the Hype?

Apple’s new Liquid Glass design language in iOS 26 has sparked a wave of reactions across the tech world. Whether you love sleek aesthetics or worry about usability, this polarizing UI change is hard to ignore. Liquid Glass first appeared on the Vision Pro headset, giving users a transparent, futuristic interface. Now that it’s part of iOS 26, many iPhone users are wondering: Is Liquid Glass here for good? How does it affect usability, and will Apple keep refining it? If you’ve been asking these questions, you’re not alone — and the answers are surprisingly nuanced.

How Liquid Glass Changes iOS 26’s Visual Experience

At its core, Liquid Glass transforms iOS 26’s interface into something that feels more layered and immersive. Think of app windows and menus that appear as if they’re floating atop your screen, subtly echoing the Vision Pro’s augmented reality visuals. While it makes sense in a mixed-reality environment, translating that concept to the iPhone has proven more divisive. Early betas of iOS 26 leaned too heavily into the effect, making elements hard to distinguish. Fortunately, Apple has since fine-tuned the transparency and contrast settings, creating a more balanced — albeit still experimental — user experience.

Apple’s Commitment to Liquid Glass Suggests It’s Here to Stay

Despite mixed feedback, Apple shows no signs of backing away from Liquid Glass. The company has adjusted some of its most criticized features, including the Control Center’s visibility issues, but has stayed true to the overall design philosophy. This signals a long-term commitment to evolving iOS toward a more AR-ready aesthetic. If you’re not a fan of the glassy sheen, you may need to get used to it — Apple rarely backtracks on major design shifts. It’s a transition similar to skeuomorphism to flat design, only now with a futuristic twist aimed at the era of spatial computing.

User Reactions: Acceptance Grows Over Time

Although Liquid Glass initially drew strong opinions, many users now report feeling surprisingly neutral or even positive after extended use. The design isn’t necessarily loved, but it’s no longer loathed — a subtle win for Apple’s UI team. Familiarity plays a big role here; after weeks with the new interface, it simply starts to feel like the new normal. That doesn't mean it’s perfect, and some users still hope for a “classic mode.” But with updates smoothing out rough edges and developers adapting their apps, Liquid Glass is evolving into a cohesive part of the iOS experience.