After months of anticipation and speculation, Apple has officially launched its revolutionary iOS 26 featuring the stunning Liquid Glass redesign. This new design has already heightened my enthusiasm for the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, and here’s a closer look at why this development is so significant.
The introduction of Liquid Glass in iOS 26 and other Apple platforms represents a transformative shift rather than a temporary modification. As highlighted by Craig Federighi during the keynote, this change is a rare, once-in-a-decade evolution for Apple, laying the groundwork for innovative hardware in the years to come. The more I ponder the implications of iOS 26’s design, the more I find myself eagerly anticipating the iPhone 17 Air. This anticipation is fueled by the knowledge that when iOS 26 launches this fall, Apple will also present its cutting-edge ultra-thin iPhone model, which undoubtedly has been crafted with Liquid Glass in mind.
Designer Sebastiaan de With aptly articulated this sentiment in his iOS 26 concept titled ‘Living Glass’ prior to WWDC: “Philosophically, if I was Apple, I’d describe this as finally having an interface that matches the beautiful material properties of its devices.” With glass screens adorning all surfaces of modern devices, the aim of Liquid Glass is to create an interface that resonates with the material itself, allowing users to experience the glass coming alive. This encapsulates the essence of the new interface.
During the WWDC keynote, while observing Federighi's interaction with iOS 26 on his iPhone, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the device appeared somewhat outdated for such advanced software. The current bulkiness of existing iPhone designs seems less compatible with the elegant Liquid Glass aesthetic. While this perception is subjective, it suggests that Liquid Glass is tailored for devices where the display takes center stage, embodying the dream of a “single slab of glass” that Jony Ive has long championed.
This vision is poised to be most fully realized in 2027 with the anticipated launch of a special 20th anniversary ‘all-screen’ iPhone. However, for this year, the iPhone 17 Air stands out as the best embodiment of this futuristic design. While Liquid Glass will undoubtedly enhance all iPhone models, the iPhone 17 Air—with its sleek and radical design—could provide a glimpse into the future of smartphones.
As I explore the features of iOS 26 and the brilliance of Liquid Glass, I envision a design philosophy that champions thinner, lighter iPhones. This aligns perfectly with what the iPhone 17 Air promises to deliver.
Do you believe that the Liquid Glass design of iOS 26 adds to the allure of the iPhone 17 Air? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Stay tuned for our recommendations on the best accessories for your iPhone to complement the stunning new features brought by iOS 26 and the iPhone 17 Air.
