Apple’s Liquid Glass UI Sparks Mixed Reactions in Early Beta

Apple’s latest user interface update, dubbed Liquid Glass, debuted in the first developer beta of iOS 26, promising the company’s broadest design overhaul yet. Inspired by the optical qualities of glass and its Vision Pro VR headset, Liquid Glass introduces translucent materials and light refraction effects that aim to unify the user experience across Apple devices. However, early feedback reveals a mix of admiration and frustration.

On the positive side, the new icons and morphing button animations showcase impressive craftsmanship. The way Liquid Glass overlays blur and stretch background elements mimics the feel of real glass, adding a fresh, modern aesthetic. Subtle touches, like the “Customize” button reflecting wallpaper colors dynamically, highlight Apple’s attention to detail and hint at the design’s potential.

Yet, the beta also exposes significant usability concerns. Notifications on the Lock Screen suffer from poor legibility, especially against lighter wallpapers, where white text nearly disappears. The Control Center overlay is criticized for insufficient background blur, making controls hard to distinguish amid the clutter of icons and widgets behind it. These issues suggest the interface feels unfinished and difficult to read, even for users without vision impairments.

Apple’s history with major UI redesigns, such as iOS 7, shows that initial rough edges often smooth out over time. The company emphasizes that the current beta is not final and that hardware and software advancements support this new visual approach without compromising performance or battery life. Users will likely have options to disable power-intensive effects, maintaining usability on older devices.

The broader significance of Liquid Glass lies in its potential to pave the way for future Apple devices, including AR glasses, where seamless, glass-like interfaces could become the norm. Industry observers, including competitors, recognize the design’s forward-looking approach, especially as AI integration and app interface focus evolve. However, balancing aesthetic innovation with practical readability remains a critical challenge for Apple’s design team.

In summary, Apple’s Liquid Glass UI is a bold step toward a unified, visually stunning ecosystem. While the first beta reveals areas needing refinement, the foundation is promising. Developers and users alike should watch closely as Apple iterates toward a polished release later this year.