Microsoft mocks Apple's new Liquid Glass UI for resembling Windows Vista

Microsoft mocks Apple's UI, resembling Vista's Aero design from 2007, highlighting customizability and user concerns.

: Microsoft criticized Apple's Liquid Glass UI for its likeness to Windows Vista's Aero style, introduced nearly two decades ago. The major design overhaul for iOS 26, among other systems, emphasizes transparency and rounded edges. Microsoft and others have humorously pointed out these similarities, using social media to draw parallels. Apple's beta testers raise concerns about readability, although customization options are available for those who prefer different appearances.

Microsoft’s playful jab at Apple’s new “Liquid Glass” UI appeared on its official Windows Instagram and Twitter accounts, featuring screenshots and sounds from the old Windows Vista Aero interface. The caption, “Just gonna leave this here,” was accompanied by Vista’s translucent design elements, prompting immediate comparisons between Apple’s latest macOS design and the 2006-era Windows aesthetic. Microsoft’s move was seen as both nostalgic and strategic, positioning Vista’s once-maligned UI as ahead of its time.

Observers quickly noted visual similarities between Apple’s Liquid Glass and Vista’s Aero, especially the emphasis on translucency, reflections, and layered window effects. While Apple’s version introduces real-time light refraction and hardware-accelerated animations, many argue the visual essence mirrors what Microsoft had already introduced nearly two decades ago. The tech community responded with amusement, recalling how Vista was once criticized for prioritizing form over function.

Designers and tech analysts expressed mixed reactions, with some defending Apple’s implementation as more technically refined, and others accusing it of lacking originality. A prominent designer remarked that although Apple’s version uses real reflections and distortion, the core idea feels recycled. Meanwhile, others criticized Apple for introducing UI elements that may hinder usability, echoing past issues with overly decorative interfaces.

Usability concerns were especially prominent, with critics pointing to potential issues with text readability and accessibility. Blurred, translucent backgrounds may reduce contrast, making it harder for users—especially those with visual impairments—to navigate the interface effectively. These concerns harken back to similar feedback during the release of iOS 7 and Vista, where visual flair occasionally came at the cost of clarity.

Liquid Glass UI

Despite the mockery, some argue Apple’s Liquid Glass could succeed where Vista failed, thanks to modern hardware capable of handling sophisticated UI effects without performance issues. Supporters claim that if Apple ensures strong usability and contrast controls, Liquid Glass might offer a sleek and responsive experience that Vista never fully achieved. The debate underscores how visual trends in UI design tend to cycle over time.

Sources: TechSpot, TechRadar, TweakTown, Windows Central

SoftwareMobileSocial Media