iOS 26’s Liquid Glass Finger-Light Reflection Resembles Windows 10 Fluent Design

Apple’s Liquid Design: A Nod to Microsoft’s Fluent Design

In the world of technology, trends often come full circle. Apple’s latest design philosophy, known as “Liquid Glass, ” certainly evokes echoes of older systems, particularly Microsoft’s Fluent Design System, which debuted the Reveal effect in Windows 10. The similarities are hard to ignore, and tech enthusiasts are eager to explore how these design elements overlap.

A Fresh Take on Design

This year, Apple introduces Liquid Glass to its ecosystem, drawing comparisons to Windows Vista’s Aero Glass aesthetic. In a past article, I discussed how macOS’ Liquid Glass bears a striking resemblance to Aero Glass, prompting a playful response from Microsoft itself, which recently shared an “Aero glass throwback” video on Instagram. These design features highlight a continuous dialogue between tech companies regarding user experience.

Translucent Effects and Interaction

While it might be tempting to claim Apple has drawn direct inspiration from Microsoft, the reality is that these design concepts are rooted in ideas that have been around for over a decade. Beyond translucency, the Liquid Glass design on iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 introduces an interaction reminiscent of Windows’ earlier designs. For instance, the background of menus reacts to user interactions, illuminating when you swipe your finger across it, similar to how hovering over tiles in the Windows 10 Start menu activates the Fluent Design effects.

As demonstrated in a video shared on X, the touch interaction in iOS 26 features a soft glow appearing beneath users’ fingers with each tap. This visually striking effect may seem fresh but is reminiscent of Microsoft’s Reveal effect introduced in 2017, which created a glowing outline around interactive elements when engaged.

Enhancing User Experience

The primary aim behind these design strategies is similar: to direct users’ attention with subtle visual cues. Apple doesn’t merely replicate; instead, it adapts effective design principles to suit its touch-oriented interface, creating a unique interaction experience.

What remains to be seen is whether Apple’s revival of these older concepts will be viewed as innovative or merely nostalgic. Were technologies like Windows Vista’s Aero or Microsoft’s Fluent Design simply ahead of their time? Your thoughts on this matter would be greatly valued.

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