iOS 26 Liquid Glass: A Glimpse into Future iPhone Design?
Apple's new "Liquid Glass" design in iOS 26 has got some people thinking, including veteran app developer Craig Hockenberry. He believes it might be a sneak peek at some big changes coming to future iPhones. In a recent blog post, Hockenberry pointed out that, unlike previous iOS overhauls, there wasn't a huge demand for this new fluid glass look.
According to Hockenberry, during the introduction of Liquid Glass, Apple spent a lot of time showing off glass blocks and discussing the physical effect. But they didn't address the most important question: "Why do we need this?" His conclusion? "We don't." He thinks the real reason is that "Apple does."
What's interesting is Hockenberry's theory that Liquid Glass is prepping developers for major hardware updates down the road. As he was updating his apps for iOS 26, he noticed a very clear pattern: "You never want a control or container that touches the edge of the screen." This rule reminded him of iOS 11's safe area insets, which seemed pointless at first – until the iPhone X arrived in 2017 with its notch and home indicator.
He thinks this new requirement in Liquid Glass is Apple getting ready for devices with screens that wrap around the edges. Imagine an iPhone where the screen seamlessly blends into the sides, thanks to flexible OLED tech.
This idea actually lines up with recent rumors about Apple's plans for the iPhone's big 20th anniversary in 2027. There's talk of Apple working on displays that bend on all four edges, creating a truly bezel-free design. So, if Hockenberry is right, iOS 26's focus on edges could be getting us ready for Apple's most ambitious iPhone redesign yet.
It makes you wonder, doesn't it? Are these design changes in iOS 26 just a matter of aesthetics, or are they a sign of something much bigger coming? Only time will tell if these changes will be worth it.
Source: Mac Rumors