Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the design evolution of operating systems, particularly focusing on the parallels between Apple's iOS 26/macOS 26 and Microsoft's Windows Vista, highlighting how both systems reflect their respective eras' design philosophies and user expectations [2][60]. Design Style - Windows Vista introduced the Windows Aero interface, marking a significant upgrade in visual design since Windows 95, incorporating elements like transparency, reflections, and dynamic effects [5][21]. - The Frutiger Aero aesthetic, named after Swiss designer Adrian Frutiger, emphasizes a realistic, tactile interface with glass-like qualities and natural elements, which has influenced modern design trends [9][13]. Technical Innovations - Windows Vista was a major overhaul of the Windows operating system, introducing new technologies such as User Account Control (UAC) for enhanced security, DirectX 10 for improved graphics rendering, and Desktop Window Manager (DWM) for better window management [24][28][39]. - The introduction of SuperFetch and ReadyBoost aimed to optimize performance on systems with limited hardware capabilities, although they faced criticism for their effectiveness [32][34]. Market Reception - Despite its innovative features, Windows Vista faced significant backlash due to high hardware requirements, compatibility issues, and a steep learning curve for users accustomed to Windows XP, leading to its poor market performance [41][46][60]. - The article draws a comparison to iOS 26, which, like Vista, introduces advanced visual effects and permissions management that may challenge users' hardware capabilities and expectations [54][55]. User Experience - The frequent permission prompts in Vista's UAC system negatively impacted user experience, a lesson that Apple seems to have learned as users today are more accustomed to similar permission requests in iOS 26 [55][59]. - The article suggests that while Vista was ahead of its time, the current environment allows for a more favorable reception of similar innovations in iOS 26 due to improved hardware and user familiarity with such features [60][61].

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 Viewpoint - The introduction of Apple's "Liquid Glass" design language at WWDC 2025 is being compared to Microsoft's Windows Vista Aero Glass design, sparking discussions about innovation versus nostalgia in UI design [3][20]. Group 1: Design Comparison - Apple's "Liquid Glass" is described as the largest visual innovation since iOS 7 in 2013, aiming for a unified and immersive experience across all operating systems [3][19]. - Many users have criticized the "Liquid Glass" design as unattractive, with comparisons drawn to Windows Vista's design, which featured semi-transparent windows and soft gradient effects [5][11]. - The similarities between "Liquid Glass" and Vista Aero Glass are evident in their use of transparency and light reflection, leading to a resurgence of nostalgia among users [7][12][18]. Group 2: User Reactions - Social media platforms have seen a surge of reactions, with users posting side-by-side comparisons of "Liquid Glass" and Vista designs, leading to trending topics [12][15]. - Some users humorously suggested that Apple has "accidentally traveled back to 2006" due to the design's resemblance to older Windows aesthetics [12][15]. - The feedback includes both criticism of Apple's lack of innovation and a sense of nostalgia for the Vista era [15][20]. Group 3: Developer Challenges - Developers will face significant challenges in adapting to the new "Liquid Glass" design language, as Apple plans to release updated APIs for various devices [19]. - This adaptation is considered the most substantial UI design adjustment since the release of iOS 7, requiring developers to ensure functionality aligns with the new visual effects [19][20]. Group 4: Industry Impact - The "Liquid Glass" design reflects a continuation of the industry's trend towards transparent design, building on previous iterations by Apple and Microsoft [16][18]. - The reception of this design will ultimately determine whether it is viewed as a bold innovation or a retro homage to past design styles [20].