Apple reportedly plans refinements to Liquid Glass in the next macOS update

Apple is reportedly preparing a revised version of its Liquid Glass design language for the next release of macOS, following user criticism over readability and visual consistency across applications. According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, the company is not abandoning the interface style introduced in recent software updates. Instead, it plans to make adjustments to improve the user experience on Mac devices.

Liquid Glass was introduced as part of Apple’s broader effort to modernise the appearance of its operating systems with more transparency effects and layered visuals. However, some users have complained that the design makes text difficult to read in certain situations and creates an uneven appearance between native and third-party apps.

The report suggested that Apple’s design team believes the original concept was not fully realised in its current form. Gurman said the upcoming changes are intended to bring the interface closer to the company’s original vision for the feature.

Apple aims to address display and transparency concerns

According to Gurman, one of the main issues affecting Liquid Glass on Macs is the difference in display technology between Apple’s desktop and mobile devices. The interface was reportedly designed with OLED screens in mind, while most Macs still use LCD panels.

This difference may have contributed to visual problems such as unusual shadows and inconsistent transparency effects on larger displays. Gurman reported that Apple plans to address these “shadows and transparency quirks” in macOS 27 as part of a broader visual refresh.

The report also suggested that the Liquid Glass interface could appear more effective on future hardware equipped with OLED displays. Apple is rumoured to be developing an OLED touchscreen MacBook, which could launch as early as this year. Such hardware would reportedly better align the design language with the intended look originally envisioned by Apple’s design team.

Users have already seen Apple make smaller adjustments to Liquid Glass in earlier software updates. The company introduced additional controls in iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS 26.1 that allow users to increase the opacity and contrast of the interface. The changes were aimed at improving readability and reducing the impact of heavy transparency effects.

Report points to unfinished software implementation

Gurman stated that the current state of Liquid Glass may be linked to what he described as “a not-completely-baked implementation from Apple’s software engineering team”. The comment suggests that while Apple’s designers had a specific visual direction in mind, technical limitations or development issues may have prevented the feature from being fully polished at launch.

The criticism surrounding Liquid Glass has reflected wider debates over software design trends in recent years. Many operating systems and apps have adopted increasingly transparent and layered visual styles, but these approaches can create accessibility concerns if text and interface elements become harder to distinguish.

Apple has traditionally placed a strong focus on visual design in both hardware and software, and the company has often refined its interface features after public release. Several major macOS and iOS updates in recent years have included visual adjustments based on user feedback and performance concerns.

Industry observers expect Apple to continue balancing appearance with usability as it develops future versions of its operating systems. Improving readability and consistency across devices may become increasingly important as Apple expands support for a wider range of display technologies and form factors.

WWDC announcement expected in June

Alongside the reported Liquid Glass changes, Apple is also said to be working on a range of system improvements for the next macOS release. Gurman reported that the update will include bug fixes, battery life improvements and performance enhancements.

Apple is expected to officially unveil the next version of macOS at its Worldwide Developers Conference, which begins on 8 June. The company typically uses the annual event to introduce upcoming software features for the iPhone, iPad, Mac and other devices.

Developers and consumers will likely be watching closely to see how Apple responds to the criticism surrounding Liquid Glass. The company’s ability to improve readability and visual consistency could influence how widely the design language is accepted across its ecosystem.

Although Apple has not publicly confirmed the reported redesign plans, the expected adjustments indicate that the company intends to continue evolving Liquid Glass rather than replacing it entirely. Future updates may therefore focus on refining the existing concept while adapting it more effectively for larger Mac displays and future OLED hardware.