Apple is poised to introduce sweeping changes to the look and feel of its software ecosystem during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025. Scheduled for today, the keynote is expected to unveil the latest versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and other operating systems. But reports suggest this year’s event could deliver more than just incremental updates — it may mark the beginning of a major visual evolution for Apple devices.
According to reliable sources, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing to launch a newly designed user interface (UI) concept called Liquid Glass. This move is seen as the first step toward aligning the company’s software design language with its long-term hardware ambitions, particularly the development of a fully glass-bodied iPhone planned for release in 2027.
Apple to Simplify Software Naming Conventions
Ahead of the official announcements, several reports have indicated that Apple is planning a subtle but important change in how it names future operating system versions. Moving away from its current numerical format, the company will adopt a more simplified versioning system.
For example, the next iPhone operating system is expected to be called iOS 26, while the corresponding iPad and Mac operating systems will be titled iPadOS 26 and macOS 26, respectively. This streamlining is part of Apple’s broader strategy to create a more unified and intuitive experience across its ecosystem.
Introducing the Liquid Glass User Interface
The most notable reveal of this year’s WWDC is likely to be the Liquid Glass UI. According to Gurman, this new interface style will introduce glossy, semi-transparent visuals that mimic the appearance of real glass surfaces. It draws inspiration from the design language of the Vision Pro headset, Apple’s recently launched mixed reality device.
Liquid Glass will bring transparent and reflective effects to various parts of Apple’s software. Users can expect to see these changes reflected in toolbars, in-app menus, system controls, and other key UI elements. The goal is to provide a consistent and modern visual identity across iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple products.
By leveraging transparency and dynamic reflections, Apple aims to create interfaces that feel more immersive and adaptable to the surrounding environment. This approach is a continuation of Apple’s emphasis on blending digital experiences with physical aesthetics, a design philosophy that has underpinned many of its product decisions in recent years.
Laying the Groundwork for Future Hardware
Beyond immediate software improvements, the Liquid Glass UI is designed to serve a larger purpose: it prepares Apple’s ecosystem for a major hardware transformation slated for 2027. That year will mark the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone, and Apple is reportedly working on an all-glass iPhone to commemorate the milestone.
The upcoming iPhone, internally known as “Glasswing,” is expected to feature curved glass sides that seamlessly wrap around the entire device, eliminating traditional borders. This design will reportedly include ultra-thin bezels and remove visible cutouts for the front-facing camera and sensors, delivering an uninterrupted glass surface.
This vision for a fully glass iPhone aligns perfectly with the Liquid Glass UI, which will provide the software counterpart to the device’s groundbreaking physical design. By unifying the visual language of its software and hardware, Apple hopes to create an experience where form and function merge seamlessly.
A Look Back at Apple’s UI Evolution
Apple’s last major UI overhaul came more than a decade ago. In 2013, then-design chief Jony Ive led the shift away from skeuomorphic design — a style that mimicked real-world objects — in favour of a flat design approach. This redesign embraced minimalism, transparency, and simplified visuals, setting the tone for the modern Apple aesthetic.
The introduction of Liquid Glass represents a new chapter in this ongoing design journey. While flat design will remain an underlying principle, the addition of glass-inspired effects will infuse the interface with a renewed sense of depth and dimensionality. Apple appears to be striking a careful balance between visual elegance and functional clarity.
The Liquid Glass UI is more than a cosmetic update. It signals Apple’s deeper intention to synchronize the user experience across all devices. With the Vision Pro headset introducing spatial computing concepts and the Mac and iPad already embracing elements like Stage Manager and universal control, Liquid Glass serves as the visual glue that ties these innovations together.
Users will likely notice a more harmonious interaction between devices, with consistent visual cues guiding them as they move between iPhone, iPad, Mac, and beyond. This cross-platform synergy will be especially important as Apple continues to expand its ecosystem with new product categories.
Developer and Consumer Reception
Apple’s design decisions often spark robust discussion among developers and users alike. The introduction of Liquid Glass is expected to follow this pattern. While many may welcome the fresh, modern look, others may express concerns about potential impacts on performance, battery life, or accessibility.
Apple’s track record suggests that the company will pay close attention to these factors. The design changes are likely to be optimized for both visual appeal and operational efficiency. Furthermore, Apple will need to ensure that the new UI remains inclusive for users with different accessibility needs.
Preparing for the All-Glass iPhone
The most exciting implication of today’s WWDC announcements is the glimpse they offer into Apple’s future hardware roadmap. The all-glass iPhone envisioned for 2027 is not just a design experiment; it represents the next step in Apple’s quest to create devices that feel more like natural extensions of the user’s environment. Achieving this vision will require not only advanced manufacturing techniques but also software that complements the physical design. Liquid Glass is the first visible step in this direction, giving developers and consumers a preview of what’s to come. If Apple succeeds, the combination of a fully glass device and a corresponding glass-inspired UI could redefine what users expect from smartphones and personal technology. This shift may also inspire new interactions and workflows, especially when combined with Apple’s investments in augmented reality and spatial computing.
Today’s WWDC 2025 keynote will offer a detailed look at Apple’s near-term software plans. However, the introduction of Liquid Glass reveals a broader strategic vision: Apple is preparing its ecosystem — and its users — for a new era of hardware innovation. As the company works toward the release of the all-glass iPhone in 2027, each software update along the way will play a role in shaping that future experience. Developers and users alike will have the opportunity to explore these new possibilities starting with this year’s operating system releases. The next chapter in Apple’s design evolution is about to begin, and its ripple effects may extend well beyond today’s announcements.
