During its annual WWDC 2025 event, Apple unveiled iOS 26 featuring a new design concept called Liquid Glass. This update, which boasts real-time rendering, dynamic reflections, and glass-like textures, marks a significant shift in Apple's design approach since iOS 7. However, instead of receiving praise, the new design became the subject of online jokes.

Liquid Glass introduces translucent layers, curved edges, and fluid animations to the user interface. Apple claims that this design adapts to different lighting environments, providing users with a more immersive experience. Core apps like Safari, FaceTime, Photos, and Music have all been redesigned to offer a unified look across the Apple ecosystem.

This new design has drawn comparisons to Windows Vista's Aero Glass interface, which Microsoft introduced nearly two decades ago. Social media users were quick to point out the similarities between the two designs, with some calling Liquid Glass 'Apple Aero'.

David Pierce from The Verge noted that Liquid Glass and Windows Aero share a similar glassy and translucent design language. He highlighted that both designs focus on personalization and customization to help users navigate their devices more effectively.

Wes Fenlon, Senior Editor at PC Gamer, expressed skepticism about Apple's Liquid Glass design, pointing out that Microsoft had similar ideas with Windows Aero many years ago. He acknowledged the aesthetic appeal of Liquid Glass but emphasized that it resembled Microsoft's previous design innovations.