Liquid Glass: Apple’s new interface design between nostalgia, innovation, and critique.

With “Liquid Glass,” Apple introduces a new UI design that divides the design community. For some, it’s a nostalgic throwback with futuristic clarity; for others, it’s a visually overloaded style that hinders usability. But what exactly lies behind this new look?
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At the WWDC in early June, Apple unveiled a new cross-platform interface concept: “Liquid Glass” — a semi-transparent, light-refracting design that mirrors its surroundings and creates depth. The material is used in floating bars, interactive app elements, and customizable surfaces. Apple describes it as “a reflective, translucent material with realistic blurs and glass effects.” The aesthetic is reminiscent of earlier designs, such as the Windows Aero interface (2007) or Apple’s own Aqua interface (2000).
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The new Liquid Glass style has sparked mixed reactions: while some praise it as a successful nod to familiar design aesthetics, appreciating its visual depth and striking, almost futuristic look, others criticize exactly these points. Supporters find the interface expressive and sophisticated—a strong contrast to minimalist standard designs. Critics argue that the heavy use of transparency and blur reduces readability and can create barriers for people with visual impairments. The main criticism is that visual impact is prioritized over usability. In the context of digital accessibility, this new style raises important questions about how accessible an interface really is when it relies so heavily on visual cues.
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Perspective from amce studios – Function over aesthetics:
amce studios recommends using the effect only in certain UI areas and secondary elements that do not require heavy interaction. It can be an interesting, modern design choice, but it should not compromise usability.

“The Liquid Glass effect has hints of the 2000s Aero Design mixed with the futuristic hopes and ideas of glass mobile devices. It’s an eye-catching and refreshing effect – but it breaks the boundaries of accessibility for some users. For better usability, it’s advisable to apply it selectively, focusing on smaller sections or specific elements rather than entire layouts,”
says Yalda Jalivand, Senior Art Director at amce studios.
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3 ways to implement it:
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As a Webflow partner agency, we researched three options to do the technical realization of the look:

1. Design templates from the Spline Community
   In the Spline Community, you can find 3D designs with the Liquid Glass effect. By clicking “Remix,” projects can be copied and customized in your own account—ideal for visual experiments with depth and reflection.
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2. Clonable Project in Webflow by Tim Rick
   Designer Tim Rick offers a ready-to-use clonable project with an integrated Liquid Glass look. After copying, it can be flexibly adapted to your own brand world.
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3. Custom development using native Webflow features
   For a fully custom build, you can use:
   • Layer compositions with structured containers
   • Native blur and transparency effects
   • Optional: SVG displacement filters for glass optics with organic texture – This allows you to create a similar look even without external 3D tools.

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