Glassmorphism
Glassmorphism is a design style characterized by the use of vibrant colors covered with glassy layers, semi-transparent panels, soft lighting, depth effects, and background blur.[1] It has been described as a successor to, or evolution of, Neumorphism.[2]
Characteristics
[edit]Glassmorphism is defined by its glassy appearance, which is achieved through using a semi-transparent blurr effect, rounded edges, and a thin outline, creating the impression of a glass edge surface. By varying the transparency intensity of multiple such glass surfaces, a sense of depth is created, resulting in surfaces with higher transparency appearing closer to users than those with a lower transparency level. Using distinct color gradients as a background enhance this sense of depth.[2]
History
[edit]The term "Glassmorphism" was coined by Michal Malewicz in 2020.[1] Apple's macOS Big Sur, released in 2020, is an early example of an operating system that incorporated some glassmorphic elements.[2] Microsoft's operating systems Windows Vista and Windows 7, which both used the Windows Aero design language, have been identified as precursors, using a glass-like appearance for their window borders and status bars.[3] Glassmorphism uses many elements of the Frutiger Aero design style which was prevalent from the mid-2000s to early 2010s, including skeuomorphic elements and semi-realistic icons.[citation needed]
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By the mid-2020s, Glassmorphism began to gradually replace flat design in interface design.[1] In 2025, Apple introduced its Liquid Glass design language, which features transparent elements and 3D effects, and has been described as a shift away from the flat design aesthetic introduced with iOS 7 in 2013.[4] It is inspired by the user interface of the Apple Vision Pro and its visionOS operating system, released one year prior.[5][6] Microsoft's video game brand Xbox replaced its flat, simplistic logo with a more shiny, translucent one in 2026.[7][8] Also in 2026, Google released Android 17, which moves away from Android's flat, solid style toward a more translucent look with blurry elements.[9] Huawei's HarmonyOS is another operating system that adopted translucent panels and frosted-glass effects in the mid-2020s.[10] Samsung's One UI user interface also added Glassmorphic elements such as floating panels, softer visuals, and increased transparency with version 8.5's design overhaul in 2026.[11]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 Eddy, Jess (2025-08-12). "Glassmorphism in 2025: How Apple's Liquid Glass is reshaping interface design". everyday ux. Retrieved 2026-08-23.
- 1 2 3 Petereit, Dieter (2021-03-11). "Design-Trend 2021: Das ist Glasmorphismus und deshalb kommt es dir bekannt vor". t3n Magazin (in German). Retrieved 2026-08-26.
- ↑ Figura, Jan (August 2026). "Glassmorphism". UXMA (in German). Retrieved 2026-08-26.
- ↑ Barlow, Graham (2026-05-11). "Apple's new Liquid Glass UI design unveiled at WWDC 2025 is nothing new – I can see right through it". TechRadar. Retrieved 2026-08-23.
- ↑ Silberling, Amanda (2025-06-13). "Apple's Liquid Glass design is paving the way for AR glasses". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2026-08-23.
- ↑ "Apple lässt Nutzer ihre iPhones intransparent machen". Der Spiegel (in German). 2025-11-04. ISSN 2195-1349. Retrieved 2026-08-23.
- ↑ Wales, Matt (2026-04-24). "As its 'we can change' campaign continues, Microsoft unveils a new Xbox logo, and it's an intentional blast from the past". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved 2026-08-23.
- ↑ Phillips, Tom (2026-05-01). "Xbox Boss Asha Sharma Reveals Company's Shiny New Logo Will Launch Today as a Dynamic Background, and More". IGN. Retrieved 2026-08-23.
- ↑ Fedewa, Joe (2026-01-26). "This could be our first look at Android 17's new glassy design". How-To Geek. Retrieved 2026-08-23.
- ↑ Li, Deng (2026-03-27). "Huawei revamps HarmonyOS 6 with glass UI effects". Huawei Central. Retrieved 2026-08-23.
- ↑ Pandit, Chandan (2025-12-10). "Samsung's One UI 8.5 Redesign Shows Apple's Liquid Glass Inspiration". Android Headlines. Retrieved 2026-08-23.