Core Viewpoint - Apple's recent iOS 26 update and its "liquid glass" design have sparked significant controversy in the tech industry, with major companies like Samsung, Microsoft, and Google questioning the innovation and features introduced by Apple [1][4]. Group 1: Company Reactions - Google has humorously criticized Apple by showcasing a video during its "BestPhonesForever" event, highlighting that features like "real-time translation" and "call screening" have been available on Pixel devices for several years, suggesting Apple's innovation is lagging [4]. - Samsung has also mocked Apple on social media, pointing out similarities between the new glass-like UI of iPhone and its own One UI redesign, emphasizing its prior experience in real-time translation [4]. - Microsoft joined the criticism by posting a montage on Instagram that juxtaposes Apple's "liquid glass" interface with its own Windows Vista Aero effect from 2007, implying that Apple's design is not original [4].

Core Insights - The introduction of "Liquid Glass" represents Apple's most significant visual transformation in over a decade, aimed at enhancing user experience for over 2.4 billion users globally [4][5][6] - The design language of "Liquid Glass" is inspired by previous projects like Vision Pro and has been in development for a considerable time [10][9] - The integration of hardware and software is evolving, with "Liquid Glass" requiring high computational performance and leveraging OLED HDR capabilities for a more realistic design [23][24][22] Group 1 - "Liquid Glass" aims to maintain familiarity while providing a fresh and exciting experience for users [5][6] - The design is based on the concept of digital materials that can adapt in real-time, creating a unique user interface experience [20][21] - The development of "Liquid Glass" involved extensive research into the physical properties of glass, allowing for a more dynamic and responsive interface [11][12][19] Group 2 - The evolution of hardware has influenced the design philosophy, leading to a more unified system approach rather than device-specific designs [25][26] - Apple is providing developers with a flexible API to create consistent "Liquid Glass" effects across different platforms while allowing customization for their applications [28][30] - The design of "Liquid Glass" is seen as a foundation for future experiences, although specific future hardware details are not disclosed [31]