Introduction
Apple has once again changed the game. With iOS 26, developers are not just dealing with a few design tweaks — Apple has introduced a whole new design language called Liquid Glass. It’s bold, fluid, and sets a fresh tone for how apps should look and feel.
But that’s not all. Alongside this shiny new UI direction, Apple also doubled down on AI integration. With Apple Intelligence and on-device Foundation Models, iOS apps can now be smarter, faster, and more personal than ever before — without sacrificing user privacy.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what Liquid Glass is, how you can bring it into your apps, and how to start using Apple’s AI tools in a way that actually makes sense.
What is Liquid Glass in iOS 26?
If you’ve seen screenshots of iOS 26, you’ve probably noticed it immediately. Liquid Glass is Apple’s biggest visual shift since iOS 7.
It combines a translucent, layered look with smooth, almost liquid-like motion. Buttons, cards, and navigation bars no longer look flat — they look alive, with subtle light reflections and depth.
In short, Apple wants apps to feel organic and fluid, not rigid. As developers, that means we need to think how our interfaces will Implement it, animate, and react.
How to Implement Liquid Glass in Your Apps
The good news: Apple made this easier with SwiftUI updates in iOS 26.
Here are some practical example or step to start Implement Liquid Glass:
-
Use Material Effects
Apple extendedMaterialstyles in SwiftUI, making it simple to add frosted glass-like backgrounds with depth and blur.
Example
-
Layer Translucent Elements
Instead of stacking opaque cards, try layering semi-transparent views. It gives that liquid depth Apple is pushing for. -
Motion Matters
Apple is encouraging fluid animations. UsematchedGeometryEffectorspring()animations in SwiftUI to create smooth transitions.
Tip: Do not use it too much. Too much blur or transparency will distrub performance, specially on older devices. Keep it subtle and light.
Apple Intelligence: Bringing AI Into Your App
Now let’s talk AI. Apple is calling this Apple Intelligence — their privacy-first approach to integrating AI into iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
Instead of sending everything to the cloud, most processing happens on-device, which means:
- Faster responses
- Better privacy
-
Smarter offline capabilities
Here’s how you can start using it:
- Live Translation APIs
Imagine your app offering real-time translation inside a chat or comments section. Apple Intelligence gives you this with minimal setup. - AI-Powered Image Tools
Developers can now plug into Apple’s image generation and editing tools. For apps dealing with media, this is huge. -
Natural Language Features
You can build smarter search bars, auto-complete features, and context-aware suggestions powered by on-device AI models.
Example: A notes app could suggest tags automatically based on the content written.
Blending Liquid Glass + AI for a Modern iOS Experience
This is where the magic really happens. The future of iOS apps is not just good-looking but also intelligent.
Think about it:
- A fitness app with a Liquid Glass dashboard, showing stats with depth and motion… and AI-driven recommendations for workouts.
- A language learning app with a translucent, modern UI… and live translation built-in using Apple Intelligence.
-
A shopping app where the UI feels smooth and futuristic, while AI helps recommend products in real-time.
The goal is to merge design + intelligence so users don’t just use your app — they enjoy it.
Final Thoughts
App design and development in 2025 is growing faster than ever. Apple has made it clear: the future belongs to apps that are beautiful, fluid, and intelligent.
By embracing Liquid Glass design principles and integrating Apple’s AI features, you’re not just keeping up with the times — you’re giving your users an app experience that feels futuristic yet natural.
If you are developing your project, start using or trying this tool now. The sooner you adapt, the more polished you’ll feel when you can expect users or new standards.
Also Read: What is React.js?
