What is the Liquid Glass design Apple is mapping out for its major update? Teknomers.

Get ready! The WWDC 2025 takes place on Monday, June 9, and you can watch it live. During the developer-focused conference, Apple is expected to unveil iOS 26 (instead of iOS 19). This new nomenclature should set the tone for the next generation of  iPhones .

Expect an entirely new interface design for iOS 26, referred to as  “Liquid Glass.”  Renowned Apple journalist Mark Gurman has shared vital insights regarding this update.

The new interface elements, called  Liquid Glass , have the brilliance and transparency of a glass surface. This initiative aims to create a more cohesive experience across Apple’s operating systems, featuring uniformity in design, characterized by transparency effects and gloss throughout toolbars, in-app interfaces, and Apple’s commands.

It’s worth noting that iOS 26 is expected to be accompanied by iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.

A Rare Transformation in Apple’s History

This new design is poised to be historic, being only the  second significant overhaul  in Apple’s interface history.

Mark Gurman notes that when Apple launched the first iPhone, the company heavily embraced the concept of  skeuomorphism . This meant that all icons were crafted to resemble real-life objects. For instance, the Maps app looked like a paper map, and the Notes app took on the appearance of a yellow notebook with well-defined lines. The Game Center logo even referenced the game of  ludo , symbolizing the engaging nature of gaming.

The rationale was straightforward: Many users became acquainted with touch screens through iPhones and  iPads . The aim was to design an interface that would help them adapt comfortably to this new technology.

However, skeuomorphism did not age well. A few years later, this design style seemed outdated and irrelevant. This is where iOS 7 and its  flat design  made a remarkable entrance.

With iOS 7, Apple completely overhauled its aesthetic approach by opting for a more colorful and simplified design that was much more in tune with the  digital age . However, iOS 7 was launched in 2013, and the company has not initiated any significant interface changes since.

Preparing for the 20th Anniversary iPhone in 2027

This is why the anticipated Liquid Design for iOS 26 holds tremendous significance. It has been over a decade without such a major change.

Furthermore, Mark Gurman states that this Liquid Design is also paving the way for the  20th anniversary iPhone  expected in 2027. This new model is set to feature a groundbreaking design with a screen that curves on all sides without any interruptions, meaning no notch or punch hole.

As you can see, iOS 26 is anticipated to be the most significant event at WWDC 2025. Especially considering that  Apple might disappoint on the AI front , with no major announcements that would enable it to catch up with OpenAI and Google anytime soon.