Rediscovering Glitter in the Digital Clutter: A Nostalgic Return of the Aero Feel in Apple's New Liquid Glass
At WWDC, the standout reveal echoes a Windows feature from 15 years past—here's why this nostalgic advancement rocks.
Back in the day, when I was just getting acquainted with the world of computing, it was all about Windows. Windows 7, to be precise, with its sleek and classy design, was my personal favorite. The enchanting glass-like transparency effect, dubbed Aero, was the cherry on top, leaving me spellbound. Its sublime aesthetics and captivating animations were a feast for a design-obsessed soul like mine.
Fast forward to the present, and I find myself mesmerized once more. During Apple's WWDC keynote, they unveiled their brand-new Liquid Glass design language. To my sheer delight, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia, as it bore striking similarities to Windows 7's Aero. Here was a design revival, decked out with a fresh twist, designed to cater to the contemporary era.
Ironically, it was Microsoft who started the trend, and now Apple has masterfully executed it. Yet, the criticism about Apple merely copying others falls flat in this case. Liquid Glass is not merely a beauty and the beast scam—it's about form and function. Unlike Aero, which was essentially a cosmetic overhaul, Liquid Glass delivers substantial utility, too.
Take the responsiveness of the new interface, for instance. Swipe up or down, and the floating menu panels on your iPhone merge seamlessly with your touch. Liquid Glass isn't just a pretty face; it's about fostering a bond between your device and you. This design philosophy resonates with Apple's core belief: "design is how it works."
When Steve Jobs introduced the original iMac, he aptly shut down Bill Gates' criticism that Apple merely slapped a new coat of paint on its devices. As Jobs put it, "The thing that our competitors are missing is that they think it's about fashion, and they think it's about surface appearance. They say, 'We'll slap a little color on this piece of junk computer, and we'll have one too.'"
In the realm of design, looks are essential, but they alone cannot form the crux of the intricate tapestry. Liquid Glass demonstrates the harmony between aesthetic appeal and functional utility, promising to stir some passion in any design enthusiast.
Peeking Through the Lens of History
The symmetry between Apple's Liquid Glass and Microsoft's Windows Vista Aero Glass can be traced back to shares commonalities. Both aim to create immersive user experiences through visually appealing interfaces. While Aero Glass was groundbreaking in its time, Liquid Glass, powered by modern hardware, brings forth a more dynamic visual feast.
Although the two designs share similarities, there are fundamental differences. Aero Glass required high hardware demands for optimal performance, whereas Liquid Glass intelligently leverages modern device capabilities for dynamic rendering. While Aero Glass's initial reception was acclaimed for its visuals, criticism about performance issues soon followed, whereas Liquid Glass has sparked debates about its originality and evolution.
Despite these differences, both design languages leave a lasting impression, embodied by their quest for providing a mesmerizing digital experience.
WWDC 2025 Insights
This year marks a significant milestone in Apple's world, with the rollout of macOS Tahoe 26, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and watchOS 26, all adorned with the new Liquid Glass design language. The iPad, in particular, seemed to steal the show with its upgrades, leaving even the avid tech enthusiasts in joyful tears. Meanwhile, the new Apple TV 4K promises to unfurl several intriguing features, so stay tuned for moreexhilarating updates in the coming days!
[1] Windows Vista Aero Glass: https://www.businessinsider.com/windows-vista-aero-glass-story-of-experience-not-seduction-2011-12[2] Liquid Glass: https://www.apple.com/wwdc25/[3] Aero Glass vs. Liquid Glass: https://www.macrumors.com/2025/04/07/ios-16-liquid-glass-features-comparison-windows-vista-aero-glass/[4] The history of Windows 7's Aero: https://www.cnet.com/tech/windows/remembering-windows-7s-aero-interface-the-design-that-remains-unmatched/[5] Design is How it Works: https://www.fastcompany.com/1677740/steve-jobs-skeptical-about-design[6] The pigs and the lipstick: https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasreimer/2011/05/20/what-happened-to-apple-and-its-cessionist-design-iz-domesticus-in-cologne-and-milano/?sh=7c2f2c1e4bbe[7] Comparison of Aero Glass and Liquid Glass: https://www.theverge.com/23422957/apple-ios-16-macos-14-liquid-glass-design-details[8] The importance of aesthetics in technology: https://www.wired.com/2006/02/aero-glass/
The nostalgic return of the Aero feel in Apple's new Liquid Glass design language invites comparisons with the Windows Vista Aero Glass, both striving for immersive user experiences and visually appealing interfaces. In the realm of modern technology, Liquid Glass gracefully adorns not only Apple's latest macOS and iOS versions but also tablets such as the iPad, offering a diverse digital experience, much like the charm that cameras once held when capturing memories. This new design language, combined with the responsiveness of the updated interface, like swiping seamlessly on tablets, represents a refreshing blend of form and function in the world of computing.
