Apple’s latest iOS 26 update introduces new Liquid Glass guidelines that could signal major hardware shifts ahead. Twitterrific developer Craig Hockenberry recently analyzed these guidelines and uncovered clues about Apple’s future products. The Liquid Glass guidelines emphasize avoiding screen corners and focusing on “concentricity,” a design principle that might puzzle developers initially.
To understand this shift, we can look back to iOS 11. At that time, Apple added safe area insets without much explanation. Later, the iPhone X’s notch and home indicator revealed why developers needed to avoid specific screen areas. Now, the Liquid Glass guidelines could mark a similar turning point.
In fact, Apple seems to be preparing for devices where the display extends seamlessly to the edges. Hockenberry suggests that the Liquid Glass guidelines make sense if Apple plans to launch screens that “disappear” into the device’s frame. This idea aligns with rumors about the iPhone Fold, Apple’s rumored foldable phone set to rival Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold.
Apple reportedly developed technology to create a crease-free foldable screen. Such a device would benefit greatly from the Liquid Glass guidelines, which encourage smooth, cornerless designs. Additionally, Apple might be hinting at the iPhone 20, expected in 2027, which could feature a fully glass design with hidden cameras under the screen.
Beyond foldables and the iPhone 20, smaller clues point to ultra-thin devices like the iPhone 17 Air and a redesigned MacBook Pro sporting an OLED display. Clearly, Apple’s focus goes beyond software tweaks in iOS 26. Instead, the Liquid Glass guidelines prepare developers for upcoming hardware innovations.
In conclusion, the Liquid Glass guidelines signal Apple’s move toward a new hardware era. Developers must adapt to these changes, anticipating bezel-less designs and foldable screens. This update hints at Apple’s boldest design evolution yet, blending software with groundbreaking hardware.
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