Every year, iPhone fans eagerly await OS updates for their favorite devices. Every so often, Apple introduces sweeping design changes to refresh the UI. Everything points to 2025 bringing one of those changes, with the company opting for a “Glassy” look. iOS 26 (FKA iOS 19) will reflect the revamped design language, and new concept renders give us a first look at what it might look like.
The images are by Sebastiaan de With, a name that carries significant weight in the Apple design community. Having contributed to design work at Apple in the past, With’s vision for iOS 26/iOS 19 isn’t just a wild guess. We can say he really understands Apple’s design philosophies and potential future directions for its mobile OS.
This is what the new “Glassy” design of Apple’s iOS 26 update would look like
So, what does this “Glassy” design entail? The designer draws inspiration from the “physicality” concept in user interfaces. The renders suggest a move towards more depth, translucency, and a greater sense of interaction with digital elements. Imagine interface elements that appear to have a subtle three-dimensional quality, with light and shadow playing across their surfaces.
The term “Glassy” hints at the use of transparency and blur effects, potentially creating a visual layering where elements subtly interact with the content behind them. This isn’t about a return to the old skeuomorphism. It’s about a modern take on visual depth, aiming for a UI that feels subtly tactile behind a flat screen.
The concept seems to align with a broader trend in UI design: bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds. This approach should offer a more intuitive and engaging experience. By introducing subtle visual cues that suggest depth and materiality, the “Glassy” design could make interacting with our devices feel more natural and less abstract. Think about how light might subtly refract or reflect off these virtual “glass” surfaces. This will create a dynamic and visually appealing experience as you navigate through apps and menus.
Please note that these are still conceptual renders, and Apple’s final design could certainly differ. However, the pedigree of the creator lends significant credibility to this early glimpse. Sebastiaan de With’s past involvement with Apple suggests that his vision for iOS 26 might be based on more than just speculation. The renders possibly reflect design directions that resonate with the firm’s thinking.
We are still waiting for official announcements from Apple. Meanwhile, these “Glassy” design concepts offer a tantalizing glimpse into the potential future of iOS. If these renders are indeed indicative of Apple’s direction, we could be in for a visually refreshing and subtly more tactile experience with iOS 26. The new UI will seek to blend digital fluidity with a hint of physical presence.
