Now Apple has officially released iOS 17. This remains true with this update, which includes the company’s biggest redesign, the most comprehensive user interface change since the company left skeuomorphic design for flat design in 2013. This new interface makes a big first impression with its fresh, bold design. It seeks to greatly update the design that most users agreed was getting a little dated as the years went on.
The latest update includes the much-anticipated Liquid Glass feature, allowing users to choose between two display options: Clear and Tinted. This capability first appeared in the iOS 26.1 beta 4 and was spotted by 9to5Mac. Developers are doing just that with this brand new feature, present in the 26.1 developer beta. Stay tuned for a public beta to be released within the next few days.
Fortunately, Sarah Perez, veteran shipmate that she is, has been all over these developments, first for us at ReadWrite and now TechCrunch since August of 2011. Perez brings to the table a strong information technology experience with previous work across multiple industries including banking, retail, and software. Her deep experience provides that context, making her reporting an invaluable resource. Prior to joining the team at TechCrunch, she worked for more than three years at ReadWriteWeb. Today, she researches, reviews and dissects the newest technologies for the CJO.
In speaking about the introduction of the Liquid Glass feature, Perez illustrated how much users love the update. “The bar’s location is better when it’s in easier reach of your thumbs,” she noted, reflecting the emphasis on usability that Apple has integrated into its design choices.
This can’t-miss event happened in person in San Francisco, October 27–29, 2025. The hackathon resulted in a vibrant community of developers, civic minded techies, and disruption evangelists. They collaborated with some of the latest innovations and presented on what’s coming down the pike.
As users begin to familiarize themselves with the new look and feel, their perspective will be indispensable. It should inform how Apple’s software is shaped in subsequent releases, moving forward. The addition of options such as Clear and Tinted show that Apple really does care about their users’ interface and experience.
