Apple introduces a universal design across platforms

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

AR / VisionOS and “Universal” Design

  • Many see the glassy, translucent look as groundwork for AR/spatial interfaces and VisionOS: a shared visual language for UI floating over reality.
  • Others point out VisionOS currently uses more frosted, high‑contrast panes than what was shown here, and argue this feels like a more extreme, less usable reinterpretation.
  • Some think this is Apple doubling down on Vision as “the next big thing”; others see it as a risky bet given AR’s uncertain traction.

Visual Style and Historical Parallels

  • Strong comparisons to Windows Vista/7 Aero, KDE 3/4, Frutiger Aero, and early macOS Aqua; many feel design is cyclical and this is glass/Aero 2.0.
  • Several argue this is a partial return to skeuomorphism (mimicking glass as a “material”), but without the clear affordances of classic skeuomorphic apps.
  • Some like the extra “physicality” and see it as a welcome shift away from flat, minimal UIs.

Usability, Readability, and Accessibility

  • The dominant criticism: low contrast and transparency make text, icons, and controls hard to see, especially over busy wallpapers or app content.
  • Older users, visually impaired users, and autistic users are specifically mentioned as likely to struggle; people expect (or demand) strong “reduce transparency/motion” options.
  • Many feel UI elements visually compete with content, turning interfaces into “visual noise” rather than fading into the background.

Performance, Battery, and Device Lifespan

  • Some suspect heavier shaders and animations will quietly push users to upgrade older devices.
  • Others counter that GPUs and blur effects have been around for decades and that modern iPhones and Macs have ample headroom; any slowdown would be more about software bloat than the glass effect itself.

Developer and Cross‑Platform Impact

  • Concern that Electron and web apps will look increasingly out of place, or will adopt heavy CSS/shader hacks to imitate the effect (often badly).
  • Several note Apple’s tooling will likely make the new material trivial in SwiftUI, but reproducing it portably across platforms and browsers is non‑trivial.

Design Philosophy and Early Impressions

  • Thread is split between people who find Liquid Glass gorgeous and exciting, and those who see it as “form over function” and an “accessibility nightmare”.
  • Some report from early betas that macOS, in particular, now feels cluttered and iPad‑like, with Safari and Settings called out as problematic.
  • A recurring meta‑theme: frustration that major visual overhauls keep arriving while long‑standing bugs, Siri/AI gaps, and core workflows feel neglected.