iOS 26: Liquid Glass Design Changes Explained

Host

Welcome back to the podcast, everyone! Today, we're diving into some exciting changes Apple has made with iOS 26 in their recent beta updates. Specifically, we're looking at the Liquid Glass design drama between Beta 2 and Beta 3.

Expert

Thanks for having me! It's definitely an intriguing topic, especially since design can significantly impact user experience.

Host

Absolutely! For listeners who might not be familiar, can you explain what Liquid Glass design is and why it's important in iOS?

Expert

Sure! Liquid Glass design is Apple's approach to creating a sense of depth and layering in their interfaces. It involves the use of translucency and blur effects that allow users to see background elements while interacting with foreground interfaces, making the experience feel more dynamic and visually appealing.

Host

That sounds really cool! Now, I understand there were some significant changes between Beta 2 and Beta 3. Can you walk us through what those changes were?

Expert

Of course! In Beta 3, Apple opted to make navigation bars more opaque across various apps, which has been a point of contention for some users. For example, in Apple Music, the bottom navigation bar was almost entirely translucent in Beta 2, allowing vibrant background colors to shine through. But in Beta 3, that translucent effect is significantly reduced.

Host

Interesting! So, it sounds like they’re moving away from that glassy aesthetic. How did users react to these changes?

Expert

Well, the response has been mixed. While the changes made in Beta 2 were generally received without much outcry, Beta 3 has seen some frustration. Many users feel that this shift toward more opacity is stripping away the unique aesthetic that Liquid Glass offers.

Host

I can see why that would be frustrating. Are there other apps where we see similar changes?

Expert

Definitely! Take Safari, for example. The URL bar's opacity has increased, making it less prone to dramatic shifts in color based on the background. This change is most noticeable when using the Compact View, which was previously quite translucent.

Host

That makes sense! It seems like Apple is trying to create a more consistent experience across their apps. Were there other notable examples?

Expert

Yes, the App Store has undergone a significant change as well. In Beta 3, its navigation bar is almost entirely opaque. And similar adjustments can be seen in the Podcasts app, where translucency has also been nearly eliminated.

Host

It sounds like they're really moving towards a more solid and consistent look. How do you think this will affect user interaction?

Expert

It could lead to a more straightforward navigation experience, but some users might miss the visual flair that translucency provided. It's a balancing act between usability and aesthetics.

Host

That’s a great point! Thanks for breaking that down. Before we wrap up, any final thoughts on what we might expect going forward with iOS design?

Expert

It'll be interesting to see how Apple continues to refine these changes. They often listen to user feedback, so we might see further adjustments in future betas.

Host

Thanks so much for your insights today! It’s always a pleasure to have you on.

Expert

Thanks for having me!

Host

And for our listeners, make sure to stay tuned for more updates on iOS and everything Apple. Catch you next time!