Apple Sticks with Liquid Glass Despite User Backlash in iOS 27

Introduction

As Apple gears up for the release of iOS 27, it seems unyielding in its commitment to retain one of its most controversial updates—Liquid Glass. Announced during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025, this design has faced significant backlash. Users have expressed their frustrations extensively online, yet Apple remains determined to move forward with it.

The Vision Behind Liquid Glass

Liquid Glass was intended to present a more expressive interface that mimics real-world translucency, promising a delightful user experience. Apple touted it as a design innovation, aiming for interfaces that adapt fluidly to different environments. Alan Dye, Apple's former VP of Human Interface Design, lauded its intuitive and stunning appeal, claiming it laid the groundwork for revolutionary user interactions.

"[Liquid Glass] makes even the simplest of interactions more fun and magical," Dye asserted, highlighting its potential for future user experiences.

The Dissatisfaction: A User Perspective

However, the reception has not aligned with Apple's vision. Despite a slew of important security updates in iOS 26, adoption rates dipped significantly. Users have openly voiced frustrations, comparing their experiences post-update to a decline in usability. One highly upvoted comment on Hacker News summed it up: "It is incredible how much worse my experience with the phone has become."

Various discussions on platforms like Reddit reflect a range of sentiments, with one user articulating that while the design has its merits, the performance issues outweigh the aesthetic enhancements:

• "If they can't optimize it to run better, they should absolutely drop it."
• "The battery life in particular has been atrocious since this was released."

Corporate Response and Decisions

In light of the extensive backlash, the question arises: why does Apple seem steadfast in its decision regarding Liquid Glass? A report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman provides insights, revealing that Apple's internal decision-making process involves multiple stakeholders rather than attributing the design solely to Dye's influence, who has since taken a position at Meta, a major competitor.

"My sense is that this is extremely unlikely to change; Apple loves this design despite the discontent," Gurman detailed in his "Power On" newsletter.

Looking Ahead: What Can Users Expect?

Despite the ongoing dissatisfaction, Apple is gearing up for the launch of iOS 27 later this year. This decision reflects a broader trend in tech where companies, fueled by innovation ideals, often prioritize design over user feedback. As the landscape evolves, it's crucial for users to remain vocal about their experiences—after all, user feedback is indispensable in an era where tech giants increasingly embrace their vision regardless of consumer response.

The Takeaway

Ultimately, as iOS 27 approaches, it will be interesting to observe whether Apple adjusts its strategy in response to user criticisms. Trading off potential user experience for design innovation poses a fascinating dilemma in tech leadership. For now, we must brace ourselves for what Liquid Glass has in store, enjoying its intriguing aesthetics while hoping for performance enhancements.