Liquid Glass Finally Makes Sense on the iPhone Duo

Apple's new iPhone Duo, unveiled in a sleek keynote video, combines the company's latest software refinements with a refreshed interface design called Liquid Glass. Apple's human interface designer, Shubham Kedia, acknowledged the team's careful consideration of user feedback while refining the new design. Initially met with controversy, Liquid Glass, inspired by Apple's Vision Pro headset, aimed for a translucent, mixed-reality look. However, it struggled with readability, reflections, and inconsistency across devices.

Apple's iOS 27 and software updates addressed these issues by reintroducing design fundamentals, such as greater clarity and structure. The new Liquid Design slider in Settings allows users to choose between a tinted or more clear look, catering to individual preferences. For example, indie developer Ben Rice McCarthy, known for his apps Obscura and Indigo, initially disliked Liquid Glass but now appreciates its improvements, citing the adaptiveness of the interface, such as buttons growing into menus and toolbars expanding smoothly.

The iPhone Duo's unique passport-shaped display—with a wider, squat design that defaults to landscape when opened—was designed to flow seamlessly between content on both screens. The device's hardware and software, rooted in Liquid Glass, work together to create a harmonious, functional interface. Essential controls are placed at the side when the phone is closed, freeing up space for content and maintaining consistent placement when open. This design allows for a more flexible and intuitive user experience, where form follows function.

While there may still be some unresolved quirks and consistency issues across materials, Liquid Glass is seen as a significant improvement. As Apple continues to refine its operating systems and hardware, the iPhone Duo and Liquid Glass interface demonstrate a natural synergy, making the new device and its interface feel like they were made for each other.