Apple's Liquid Glass Design: The Future of AR Glasses

Apple's Liquid Glass: A Preview of Future AR Glasses

During the WWDC 2025 event, Apple unveiled Liquid Glass, representing the most significant shift in their software design in over ten years.

This substantial visual redesign offers a potential indication of the features expected in Apple’s anticipated AR glasses, which are projected to launch the following year.

Connection to Augmented Reality

The introduction of Liquid Glass has prompted speculation among users regarding its connection to potential AR glasses.

The new design language clearly draws inspiration from the aesthetic of Apple’s Vision Pro VR headset.

Understanding the Liquid Glass Concept

The name Liquid Glass evokes the idea of each window on a smartphone functioning like a pane of glass – transparent and subtly reflective.

This approach aims to provide a more streamlined appearance to the screen, although the current developer beta still requires refinement in managing opacity effects.

Lessons from the Vision Pro

Despite not achieving widespread commercial success, the Vision Pro, priced at $3,500, demonstrated impressive UX design.

It successfully minimized the disorienting sensations often associated with wearing a headset.

Apple addressed the potential for unnatural immersion in virtual reality by utilizing its mixed reality capabilities.

Instead of a completely synthetic background, windows were overlaid onto the user’s actual surroundings.

The Need for Lighter AR Hardware

While a $3,500 headset may not be immediately appealing to a broad audience, Apple recognizes the necessity to compete in the smart glasses market.

Companies like Meta (with Ray-Bans) and Google are actively pursuing renewed efforts in this area.

Apple’s strength lies in its reputation for elegant and contemporary designs, a characteristic that distinguishes it from competitors like Meta and Google.

Rumored Features of Apple AR Glasses

According to reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the forthcoming AR glasses are expected to include cameras, microphones, and speakers, mirroring the functionality of competitor products.

Siri, currently undergoing its own redesign, will be integrated to assist with tasks such as making calls, playing music, providing live translation, and offering turn-by-turn navigation.

The display will showcase notifications, images, and other overlaid information.

The Importance of Transparent Design

Mastering the aesthetic of transparent design elements will be crucial for Apple.

Notifications displayed on AR glasses should seamlessly integrate with the user’s environment, avoiding the appearance of intrusive or obstructive elements.

Looking Ahead

Although specific details regarding the rumored Apple AR glasses remain limited, it is highly probable that Liquid Glass will play a significant role in their design.