Android apps, stop using Apple’s Liquid Glass design

The iOS-ification of Android: Why Google’s Design Language is Losing Ground

If I wanted Liquid Glass, I’d buy an iPhone. It doesn’t belong on Android. Yet, increasingly, Apple’s design language – or approximations of it – are appearing in apps on Google Pixel devices. Android has always been about customization, but a worrying trend is emerging: developers are prioritizing Apple’s aesthetic over Google’s Material 3 Expressive, leading to a fragmented and often jarring user experience.

A Growing Trend: From Launchers to Major Apps

While third-party launchers offering Liquid Glass-like design packs are understandable – users want choice – the real issue arises when app developers default to Apple’s design. This isn’t about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery; it’s about undermining the unique identity of Android.

Some apps are leaning into the Liquid Glass aesthetic more than others. Obsidian, a popular note-taking app, recently received an update that feels distinctly iOS-inspired. The circular floating buttons, the bottom bar, and the overall lack of color all scream Apple. While the app remains functional and snappy, it lacks the Android-specific polish users expect.

The Devil is in the Details: Small Changes, Big Impact

Even minor adjustments could significantly improve the Android experience within apps like Obsidian. For example, modifying the floating buttons to a more Android-typical squished circle shape, removing shadows, and integrating Google’s Material You color theming would make a world of difference. Material You, when implemented correctly, dynamically adapts to the user’s chosen color palette, creating a cohesive and personalized experience.

Telegram presents another case study. The app’s recent overhaul feels like a diluted version of iOS, with inconsistencies between personal chats and channels. It’s a mix of Liquid Glass elements and a proprietary design system, resulting in a disjointed experience. This contrasts sharply with Telegram’s typically design-forward approach, known for its beautiful animations and user experience.

Why Are Developers Choosing iOS?

Developing a custom design system requires significant resources. Adopting a pre-existing system, like Apple’s, can be a cost-saving measure. However, this comes at the expense of Android’s unique identity. Robinhood provides a good example of a company maintaining a consistent design language across platforms without simply copying Apple.

Google’s Material 3 Expressive, unveiled nearly a year ago, promised bold new ideas for app design. Yet, adoption has been slow, even within Google’s own apps. This lack of momentum risks diminishing the potential of Material 3 Expressive and further encouraging developers to look elsewhere for inspiration.

The Future of Android Design: A Call for Consistency

The issue isn’t necessarily about rejecting outside influences. A company can create its own UI to maintain brand identity. The problem is the inconsistent application of design principles. When apps feel like “wanna-be” iPhones on Android, it detracts from the overall user experience.

The current situation highlights a potential shift in the Android ecosystem. Developers may be prioritizing cross-platform consistency over platform-specific optimization. This could lead to a homogenization of app design, diminishing the unique appeal of Android’s customization options and expressive design language.

What Can Be Done?

Google needs to actively promote and support Material 3 Expressive, providing developers with the tools and resources they need to implement it effectively. Google could consider stricter design guidelines for apps in the Play Store, encouraging adherence to Material You and discouraging blatant imitation of iOS design elements.

FAQ

Q: What is Liquid Glass?
A: Liquid Glass is a design aesthetic popularized by iOS 26, characterized by translucent layers, blurred backgrounds, and a generally glassy appearance.

Q: What is Material 3 Expressive?
A: Material 3 Expressive is Google’s latest design language for Android, focusing on bold colors and dynamic theming.

Q: Why are Android apps copying iOS designs?
A: It’s often a cost-saving measure for developers to use a single design system across multiple platforms.

Q: Is this trend permanent?
A: It’s difficult to say. Increased support for Material 3 Expressive from Google and a greater emphasis on platform-specific design could reverse the trend.

Did you know? Nearly half of Android users polled have noticed Liquid Glass design elements in apps they use.

Pro Tip: Explore custom launchers like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair to personalize your Android experience and counteract unwanted design elements.

What are your thoughts on the iOS-ification of Android? Share your opinions in the comments below! Don’t forget to check out our other articles on Android design and the latest iPhone features to stay informed.