Tomorrow, the WWDC 2025 conference will begin, during which Apple will officially present the updated design of its operating systems, including iOS 19 (possibly called iOS 26) for the iPhone. The main change will be a significant update to the user interface design in a translucent aesthetic and a convergence of the appearance of the company’s different operating systems. This is done to make it more comfortable for users to switch between different Apple devices.
Image Source: 9to5mac.com
A recent report by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman notes that Apple will showcase new “Liquid Glass” user interface elements during the event. This means that the updated OS will make extensive use of elements resembling translucent glass, as well as visual effects resembling glare.
Users should expect reflective and glass surfaces to appear across all standard iOS 19 UI elements, including various buttons, toolbars, and tab bars. App icons on the home screen are also reportedly being redesigned to be more rounded with shiny, reflective highlights around the edges.
Other Apple platforms like macOS, watchOS, iPadOS, and tvOS will also be updated and will look similar, as they incorporate elements of the liquid glass UI into their designs. This update will help bring more consistency to the software experience across all Apple devices, although the overall UI layout, navigation, and interaction will still be specific to each specific form factor.