Why Does Apple’s New Liquid Glass Design Feel Disturbingly Familiar to Windows Users?

Is Apple’s iOS 26 Liquid Glass Just Microsoft’s Old Ideas Brilliantly Repackaged?

I’ve been watching Apple’s latest design moves with iOS 26, and I need to share something that’s been bothering me. The new Liquid Glass feature feels like déjà vu. If you’ve used Windows computers over the years, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

The Glass Effect Returns

Apple calls it “Liquid Glass.” It makes everything see-through and glassy. But here’s the thing – Microsoft did this exact same idea back in 2006 with Windows Vista. They called it Aero Glass.

I remember using Vista. The windows had this cool glass look. You could see through them a little bit. It made everything feel modern and sleek. Now Apple brings back the same concept almost 20 years later.

Microsoft even made a funny video about this. They basically said “Hey, we did this first.” And they’re right.

The Light-Up Touch Effect

But wait. There’s more that feels familiar.

When you touch menus in iOS 26, a soft light appears under your finger. It follows where you move. It looks pretty, I’ll give Apple that. But I’ve seen this before too.

Microsoft created something called Fluent Design in 2017. Part of it was the “Reveal” effect. When you moved your mouse over tiles in Windows 10, they would light up with a gentle glow. Sound familiar?

Here’s how the two compare:

Microsoft’s Reveal Effect (2017)

• Subtle light follows your cursor
• Works on Windows 10 start menu tiles
• Flat colors
• Simple and clean

Apple’s Liquid Glass Touch (2024)

• Bright light follows your finger
• Works throughout iOS menus
• Vibrant colors
• Rounded corners and movement

Why This Matters

I’m not saying Apple stole anything. That’s not how design works. Ideas flow between companies all the time. But I want you to understand the history here.

Microsoft was actually ahead of its time with these ideas:

1. Glass effects in 2006 – People thought Vista was too much
2. Touch lighting in 2017 – Windows phones were already failing
3. Consistent design language – They kept changing directions

Apple waited. They watched. They learned from Microsoft’s mistakes.

The Bigger Picture

Think about what happened here:

• Microsoft tries new ideas early
• Users don’t always love them right away
• Microsoft moves on to something else
• Apple takes the good parts years later
• Everyone calls Apple innovative

This pattern repeats over and over. Remember Windows Phone? It had live tiles and smooth animations before iPhones did. But timing matters more than being first.

What Makes Apple Different

Apple doesn’t just copy ideas. They make them better:

Better Implementation

• Smoother animations
• More consistent across apps
• Better performance
• Cleaner visual design

Better Timing

• Hardware is ready
• Users want these features
• Technology works reliably
• Market conditions are right

My Take on Design Evolution

I’ve watched this industry for years. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Good ideas never really die. They just wait for the right moment. Microsoft had great concepts but poor execution. Apple takes those concepts and executes them perfectly.

This isn’t about copying. It’s about evolution. Every designer builds on what came before. The iPhone built on existing phone ideas. The iPad built on tablet computers that existed for years.

What This Means for Users

You’re getting better technology because of this process:

• Proven concepts – These effects have been tested before
• Refined experience – Apple learned from Microsoft’s mistakes
• Stable features – No experimental bugs
• Familiar feel – Your brain already knows how this should work

The Uncomfortable Truth

Microsoft was often right about design directions. They just couldn’t execute properly. Their hardware wasn’t ready. Their software was buggy. Their marketing was confusing.

Apple waits until they can do it right. Then they do it so well that people forget anyone else tried first.

Looking Forward

This pattern will continue. Microsoft will try new things. Some will fail. Some will succeed. Apple will watch and learn. Then Apple will perfect the ideas that work.

That’s not a bad thing. That’s how progress happens. We all benefit when companies learn from each other’s successes and failures.

The real question isn’t who did it first. The real question is who does it best for users. Right now, that’s usually Apple. But Microsoft keeps trying new things, which keeps everyone moving forward.

What matters most is that we get better technology. Whether it comes from Apple’s polish or Microsoft’s experimentation, we win either way.