The Accessibility Challenges of iPhone’s New Liquid Glass Design
Apple’s incoming Liquid Glass design has been described as sleek, expressive, and immersive. It is intended to place more emphasis on content and deliver a consistent experience across devices.
While the design is visually striking, there are serious accessibility issues that need careful consideration, especially around contrast, visibility, and user control.
Contrast matters
One of the main concerns is how Liquid Glass manages contrast. Because the appearance changes depending on the background, particularly on dark and light screens, it may not always meet the minimum standards for readability.
For people with low vision or those who experience eye strain, even small reductions in contrast can make content difficult to read. Instead of providing clarity, the design risks leaving users with blurred or shifting elements that reduce legibility.
Minimum readability standards set by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines recommend a contrast ratio of at least 4.5 to 1 for normal text and 3 to 1 for large text. A contrast ratio is the difference in brightness between text and its background. Meeting these ratios ensures that words remain clear and easy to read, especially for people with low vision, colour blindness, or anyone using a screen in bright light.
Transparency and Settings
The software allows users to reduce transparency to improve visibility. However, the controls for this feature aren’t where most people expect them to be. Instead of being in the main display settings, they’re tucked away in the Accessibility menu.
This is a problem because many users don’t know how to find these settings, and the process isn’t straightforward. Accessibility adjustments should be easy to locate, not hidden behind multiple layers of menus.
Dynamic Effects and Predictability
The flowing and morphing qualities of Liquid Glass may look beautiful, yet they can cause challenges for people who depend on consistent design. Users with cognitive disabilities or neurodiverse traits may find these changes distracting or confusing. Predictability is essential for many and shifting visuals risk disrupting that sense of stability.
Designers’ Role in Reducing the Impact
Designers have a responsibility to ensure that their updates are tested against accessibility standards. They must confirm that contrast remains consistent across all modes and provide clear, simple controls for turning off dynamic features. Designing with accessibility in mind from the very beginning helps prevent many of these issues.
Role of App Designers
App designers also play an important part in ensuring that Liquid Glass does not create additional barriers. They can test their applications in both dark and light modes to check for contrast problems, avoid using transparency or background effects that reduce clarity, include in-app settings for accessibility whenever possible, and gather feedback directly from users with access needs to guide design decisions.
Our Perspective
While the design may appear modern and visually appealing, the dynamic contrast and hidden settings could create significant accessibility barriers if not addressed.
Moving Forward
Design innovation brings exciting opportunities, yet it should never compromise accessibility. Liquid Glass has the potential to be both beautiful and functional, but this will only be achieved if it works for everyone.
Call to Action
Now is the time for designers and developers to review how their products will perform with Apple’s upcoming changes. Testing for accessibility, listening to feedback from people with access needs, and creating settings that prioritize clarity and usability are essential steps to ensure that beauty in design never comes at the cost of accessibility.
If you need guidance or support in making your digital products accessible, reach out to Access Advisors. Our team is ready to help you navigate these changes and build inclusive experiences that work for all users.