The “Liquid Glass” design language introduced in iOS 26 transforms app icons from flat graphic elements into dynamic, multi-layered objects that mimic the physical properties of glass. This shift towards “digital realism” affects the appearance of icons in several specific ways:
Multi-Layered Glass Composition Icons are no longer rendered as simple flat images. Instead, they are designed as multi-layered glass compositions. This structure gives the icons a sense of depth and tangibility that was not possible in previous flat design iterations.
Dynamic Lighting and Transparency The visual effect of the icons is dynamic rather than static. The system utilizes real-time data regarding the device’s position in space to simulate light and reflection. As a result, when a user tilts the iPhone or scrolls through pages, the “glass” elements of the icons reflect light and create optical distortions, creating a convincing illusion of physical material.
Customization Options Users can customize how this glass effect is applied to their home screen:
- Semi-Transparent Mode: A specific “Transparent” option gives icons a “glassy-matte” look, enhancing the effect of a solid glass sheet.
- Visibility Modes (iOS 26.1): To address readability concerns, an update introduced two distinct modes for Liquid Glass icons. The “Transparent” mode maintains the original glass effect with background distortions, while the “Solid” (or Monotone) mode adds a light backing to the icons to increase contrast without losing the dynamic interface feel.
Contrast in Shape While the Liquid Glass design introduced heavy rounding to internal interface elements (such as Control Center buttons becoming perfectly round or capsule-shaped), app icons retained their traditional rounded-square geometry. This design choice creates a visual contrast between the static grid of the home screen and the fluid, rounded elements found elsewhere in the system.