Apple announced changes to its Liquid Glass design system at WWDC 2026 on Monday, June 9, 2026, responding to widespread user criticism that the interface introduced at last year’s WWDC was difficult to read.
The company said it is “updating the foundations of how Liquid Glass is built to ensure exceptional readability.” The update will diffuse “complex content” behind the glass effect to create more depth and separation between content panels.
Notably, Apple said it will not require users to adopt the updated look. Instead, the company is introducing a new slider and settings that let users adjust the appearance anywhere from “ultra clear to fully tinted.” “Since everyone’s preference varies, we’re adding a new slider and settings to adjust Liquid Glass, so you can set it anywhere from ultra clear to fully tinted,” Apple said.
On both iOS and macOS, Apple will also redesign app icons to appear more refined and cohesive. Developers will be able to apply Liquid Glass customizations within their own apps at launch.
Apple opened WWDC 2026 with the Liquid Glass update, signaling the company views the changes as a priority. “Like with all major design updates, there is a natural process where we take a bold leap forward, and then we continue to iterate,” Apple said in its presentation. “Our team really appreciates your feedback, and we considered it deeply as we refined the new design over the past year.”
The changes come after Liquid Glass, first unveiled at WWDC 2025, drew a polarizing reaction — with some users appreciating the transparent, glassy aesthetic while others found it hard to read. The new customization options may give dissatisfied users a path to a more legible experience without abandoning the design language entirely.
Source: TechCrunch