Apple's Commitment to Liquid Glass in iOS 27

Apple's Liquid Glass interface, introduced with iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, has sparked mixed reactions among users. This translucent design aims to create a modern aesthetic across various system elements, including buttons, navigation bars, and widgets. However, concerns about readability and usability have emerged, particularly when transparent elements overlap with text. Despite these criticisms, reports indicate that Apple plans to retain and refine the Liquid Glass design in the upcoming iOS 27 and macOS 27 releases.

Not a fan of Liquid Glass? This isn’t the news for youiOS 27 and macOS 27 “don’t reflect major design changes,” says ReportApple’s iOS 27 Likely to Keep Liquid Glass Interface Largely Unchanged

Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has reported that the latest internal builds of iOS 27 do not reflect any significant design changes to Liquid Glass. Instead, Apple appears committed to gradual improvements rather than a complete redesign. This approach mirrors the company's historical tendency to refine major interface changes over time, as seen after the introduction of iOS 7. The transition to Liquid Glass was a multi-year effort, and reversing it would require substantial resources and time.

Not a fan of Liquid Glass? This isn’t the news for you9to5MacApple’s Has No Plans To Abandon Liquid Glass, Whether We Like It Or Oppose It, With ‘Years Of Gradual Improvements’ Expected For All Platforms

The departure of Alan Dye, Apple's former Vice President of Human Interface Design, raised speculation about the future of Liquid Glass. However, his successor, Steve Lemay, who was also involved in the development of Liquid Glass, is expected to continue evolving the design. Internal support for Liquid Glass remains strong, with no evidence suggesting significant opposition within Apple's design team.

Apple’s Has No Plans To Abandon Liquid Glass, Whether We Like It Or Oppose It, With ‘Years Of Gradual Improvements’ Expected For All Platforms

Apple has already introduced some customization options for Liquid Glass. iOS 26.1 added a "Tinted" setting to increase opacity, while iOS 26.2 introduced a slider for adjusting the transparency of the Lock Screen clock. There are indications that iOS 27 may expand this functionality to a system-wide slider, allowing users to control the opacity of the glass effect across the entire interface. However, previous attempts to implement this feature faced engineering challenges, and its inclusion in iOS 27 remains uncertain.

iOS 27 to Finally Bring Full Control Over Liquid Glass Opacity, says ReportApple’s iOS 27 Likely to Keep Liquid Glass Interface Largely UnchangedMacRumors

While some users appreciate the modern look of Liquid Glass, others have expressed dissatisfaction, particularly regarding readability issues. Critics argue that the design can obscure text and icons, especially in bright environments. Accessibility experts have noted that heavy translucency can increase cognitive load and hinder recognition. Apple has acknowledged these concerns, implementing features to reduce the intensity of the glass effect in response to user feedback.

Apple Keeps the Liquid Glass Design in iOS 27

As Apple prepares for the release of iOS 27, the focus will likely be on performance improvements and stability rather than dramatic visual changes. The anticipated system-wide slider for Liquid Glass could provide users with more control over the interface's transparency, addressing some of the criticisms while maintaining the overall aesthetic. The beta testing for iOS 27 is expected to begin in June, with a final release slated for September.

iOS 27 and macOS 27 “don’t reflect major design changes,” says Report

In summary, Apple is set to retain the Liquid Glass design in iOS 27, focusing on gradual enhancements rather than a complete overhaul. While user feedback has highlighted readability concerns, the company appears committed to refining the interface and providing more customization options. As the release date approaches, it remains to be seen how effectively Apple will address these challenges while maintaining the design's core identity.

Not a fan of Liquid Glass? This isn’t the news for you