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Liquid Glass is Apple’s name for a new translucent software design—not a coating or a product to buy. Apple introduced it across iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26, giving the platforms a shared visual language while retaining their distinct interfaces. The updates were announced on June 9, 2025, and became available as free software updates on September 15, 2025.
What is Liquid Glass?
Apple describes Liquid Glass as a translucent material that reflects and refracts its surroundings and changes dynamically to direct attention to on-screen content. It appears in interface elements such as controls, navigation, app icons, and widgets. The name describes a visual treatment in software; Apple’s announcements do not identify a physical device, screen coating, or accessory required to use it. Apple’s cross-platform design announcement explains the concept.
Apple called the redesign its broadest software design update ever. Alan Dye, Apple’s vice president of Human Interface Design, said Liquid Glass “combines the optical qualities of glass with a fluidity only Apple can achieve, as it transforms depending on your content or context.” That is Apple’s description of its design intent, not an independent finding about usability.
Where Liquid Glass appears on iPhone
In iOS 26, Apple applied the design to the Home Screen and Lock Screen as well as system and app interfaces. Apple highlighted updates to Camera, Photos, Safari, Phone, and Messages. Those apps and features bring more than a visual refresh: the iOS 26 announcement also introduced call screening, hold assistance, and message customization. These are separate software features accompanying the redesign, rather than functions shared simply because other Apple platforms use Liquid Glass. Apple’s iOS 26 announcement lists the changes.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
What changes on Mac with macOS Tahoe 26?
On Mac, Liquid Glass appears in the Dock, sidebars, toolbars, and a completely transparent menu bar. macOS Tahoe 26 also lets users customize Control Center, app icons, widgets, and folders. The arrangement reflects the Mac’s own interface rather than copying the iPhone screen.
Tahoe includes distinct Mac features alongside the shared design: the Phone app and iPhone Live Activities come to Mac, and Spotlight receives a major update. These additions are not evidence that macOS and iOS have become one operating system. Apple presents the visual language as shared across platforms while keeping each platform’s character and functions. See Apple’s macOS Tahoe 26 announcement for its Mac-specific details.
Rank #2
- 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1320x2868px at 460ppi, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM), 4685mAh Battery
- 1TB, 8GB RAM, Apple A18 Pro (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.05 GHz + 4x2.42 GHz), Apple GPU 6-core, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.3
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 12MP, f/2.8 (periscope telephoto) 5x optical zoom + 48MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth), Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9 (wide)
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
iPhone and Mac: shared design, different interfaces
| Platform | Where Liquid Glass appears | Customization Apple highlighted | Separate features highlighted |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone (iOS 26) | Home Screen, Lock Screen, and app and system interfaces | Message customization; Apple also described updates to the Home Screen and Lock Screen | Call screening, hold assistance, and app updates |
| Mac (macOS Tahoe 26) | Dock, sidebars, toolbars, and transparent menu bar | Control Center, app icons, widgets, and folders | Phone app, iPhone Live Activities, and a major Spotlight update |
The point of the cross-platform treatment is a recognizable visual connection, not identical layouts or a guarantee that every feature works the same way on every device.
When did iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26 come out?
Apple previewed iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26 on June 9, 2025. On September 15, 2025, Apple announced availability of iOS 26 and macOS 26, among its new platform releases, as free software updates. The September date is the public availability date, not the earlier preview announcement. Apple’s release announcement gives the availability date.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Availability depends on the feature
The release announcements say that some capabilities vary by region or language. Apple’s macOS Tahoe announcement also gives supported-device and matching Siri/device-language conditions for the Apple Intelligence features described there. Those AI requirements should not be treated as blanket requirements for Liquid Glass itself. Check Apple’s current compatibility and feature requirements for the specific device and capability you plan to use.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. ProMotion technology. Always-On display. Titanium with textured matte glass back. Action button
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A17 Pro chip with 6-core GPU
- Pro camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide| Telephoto. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. Up to 10x optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 29 hours video playback. USB-C, Supports USB 3 for up to 20x faster transfers. Face ID
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
