Apple is reportedly maintaining its controversial 'Liquid Glass' design, introduced with iOS 26, despite significant and widespread user criticism. The design, which fundamentally altered the visual appearance of the iPhone and other operating systems, has been widely criticised for being visually unappealing and making devices harder to read.
Speculation and Leadership Changes
Speculation about a potential design reversal arose after head designer Alan Dye departed and was replaced by Steve Lemay. Many industry observers anticipated that this leadership change might signal a shift away from the contentious aesthetic.
New Report Confirms Continuity
However, a new Bloomberg report indicates that Mr Lemay was actually a 'driving force' behind the current design, strongly suggesting it will not be abandoned. This revelation has surprised many who expected a more user-responsive approach following the criticism.
Upcoming iOS 27 Update
The forthcoming iOS 27 update is expected to include a new slider feature, allowing users to reduce the 'glass effect' across the system. This represents a partial concession, as this functionality was previously limited to the lock screen only.
While this adjustment may address some readability concerns, it falls short of the complete redesign many users had hoped for. Apple appears committed to its Liquid Glass vision, betting on user adaptation over radical change.
