As Apple prepares to kick off WWDC 2025 later today, new leaks have emerged hinting at one of the most significant visual overhauls to iOS in recent years. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, iOS 26 will debut a brand-new design language dubbed “Liquid Glass”, setting the stage for sweeping changes coming to future iPhones.
A Shiny, See-Through iOS Makeover
In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman revealed that iOS 26 will introduce UI elements with glossy, translucent effects reminiscent of polished glass. The new design will reportedly replace the flat design that has been a staple of Apple’s aesthetic since iOS 7, bringing depth and sheen to the user interface. Elements such as toolbars, in-app controls, and system-wide navigation components are expected to showcase this liquid-glass appearance.
This revamp also aligns with Apple’s goal of unifying the visual language across its platforms. The design cues are said to borrow from visionOS, Apple’s operating system for spatial computing, ensuring a more cohesive and fluid user experience across all Apple devices.
iPhone 2027: “Glasswing” and the Future of Hardware
Gurman notes that the changes in iOS 26 are being implemented in anticipation of Apple’s ambitious hardware plans. The 2027 iPhone model — which will coincide with the iPhone’s 20th anniversary — is reportedly codenamed “Glasswing”, and is expected to feature an all-glass body with curved edges, ultra-slim bezels, and no display cutouts. An under-display camera and sensors are also speculated.
The new Liquid Glass UI is likely designed to visually complement the futuristic hardware of this upcoming iPhone, hinting at Apple’s long-term design direction.
Covering Up for AI Delays?
Interestingly, the visual overhaul may also be a strategic move to distract from Apple’s slower-than-expected rollout of its AI features. Despite last year’s WWDC preview of “Apple Intelligence”, including an upgraded Siri and on-device generative AI capabilities, Apple has yet to deliver these features at scale.
WWDC 2025 is reportedly not expected to significantly advance AI development. Instead, the focus this year will be on refining iOS’s interface and performance — making it “more capable and sleek”.
WWDC 2025: What to Expect
WWDC 2025 begins today at 10 AM PT (10:30 PM IST), with a keynote from Apple CEO Tim Cook. The event will spotlight the latest versions of Apple’s operating systems including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and visionOS.
In addition to iOS 26, Apple may unveil support for third-party Control Centre widgets on the Apple Watch, and other developer-focused features. While major AI breakthroughs might still be months away, today’s announcements are expected to focus on user experience and cross-device design unity.
