Chrome Becomes Google’s First Liquid Glass App
- Google is rolling out design updates to its iOS applications,beginning with Chrome,as part of its "Liquid Glass" initiative.
- iOS 26 introduces a new keyboard for Chrome featuring a more rounded panel and keys.
- The extent to which other Google applications will adopt the "Liquid Glass" design remains to be seen.
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Google’s “Liquid Glass“ Design Arrives on iOS with Chrome Updates and Keyboard Changes
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Updated September 20,2025,at 23:55:14 PDT
Design refinements in iOS 26
Google is rolling out design updates to its iOS applications,beginning with Chrome,as part of its “Liquid Glass” initiative. These changes include refinements to the “Finish”/check illustration, redesigned on/off toggle buttons, and a new page load indicator. Notably, the page load indicator on iOS has shifted from a circular style to a windmill design.
Chrome’s Floating Keyboard and Feature Row
iOS 26 introduces a new keyboard for Chrome featuring a more rounded panel and keys. Above the main keyboard, a row of features-previously positioned directly above the keys-now appears as a floating rectangle. this row provides speedy access to voice search, Google Lens, and practical keys like .com and forward slashes. This change streamlines the user experience and offers a more modern aesthetic.
Integration with other Google Apps: A Phased Approach
The extent to which other Google applications will adopt the “Liquid Glass” design remains to be seen. Though, Chrome’s rapid implementation suggests a connection to its existing, distinct user interface.currently, Google apps on iOS exhibit a mix of design languages: some utilize Material Themes (Keep, Calendar, Tasks), while others have transitioned to Material 3 (Gmail, Chat, Home, Maps, Meet, Photos, and Search). The older Material themes are beginning to appear outdated.
For other Google applications, it is anticipated that updates will primarily involve recompiling to the latest iOS SDK that supports the new keyboard. Significant design overhauls beyond this are not expected in the immediate future.
Material Design Evolution: A Quick Overview
Google’s Material Design has undergone several iterations. Here’s a brief timeline:
| Version | Release Date | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Material Design | 2014 | Principles of tactile surfaces, bold graphics, and motion. |
| Material Design Lite | 2015 | A lightweight version for faster loading times. |