Apple shows how app developers use Liquid Glass
Apple's still controversial new design system is being used in more and more applications. The company has now published a collection of examples for devs.
App redesign for Liquid Glass: The application of the US broadcaster CNN.
(Image: Apple / CNN)
With Liquid Glass, Apple has given all its operating systems a new look. The problem: Apps that are not yet prepared for it may stand out significantly, and in some cases there are also graphic errors when running them on the new systems. Developers must therefore adapt their programs as much as possible. Apple has now demonstrated how this can look under iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26 in a new gallery on its developer website, which demonstrates over a dozen apps in a "before / after" view. Developers are meant to find inspiration here – and possibly lose their fear of necessary adjustments.
Minor to complex adjustments
For example, the app of the candy chain Crumbl can be seen. It uses the continuous scrolling capability for content that covers the Dynamic Island for the first time, displays new overlay menus, and integrates the new tab bar. Tide Guide for surfers has been similarly redesigned, where the different elements trigger glass effects, which, however, sometimes merge unpleasantly – a general problem with Liquid Glass. Grow Pal shows transparent backgrounds and buttons on the Apple Watch (standard under watchOS 26), and the sun position app Lumy a new glassy slider. Similar novel animation elements can also be seen in Sky Guide (stargazing tool) and Photoroom (AI image editor).
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Linearity Curve (vector graphics) on the iPad received new UI elements with the typical Liquid Glass rounding. The credit card tracking app CardPointers (macOS) got new color gradients and glass cards, and even looks a bit tidier under Liquid Glass. The appearance of OmniFocus 4 (task manager) on the iPad was only minimally adjusted with new overlays. The writing app Essayist shows the Liquid Glass rounding and new overlay menus.
Redesign costs time and money
All in all, Apple succeeds with the gallery in arousing interest in the Liquid Glass redesign. However, the fundamental question remains why the new design language is coming at this particular time – while Apple is lagging so far behind in terms of AI.
In addition, the adjustments cost developers both time and money. "Teams of all sizes are using the new design and Liquid Glass to create natural, responsive experiences across all Apple platforms," Apple praises itself.
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