Sketch Update Brings Liquid Glass Effects and macOS 26, iOS 26 Libraries

Sketch has released an update with new Liquid Glass effects, customizable with blur, distortion, depth, and chromatic aberration controls. The update also includes macOS 26 and iOS 26 libraries, a concentric corners tool, progressive blurs, and an updated Apple UI library.

In a significant move, Apple is set to unveil its latest operating system, iOS 26, at its upcoming annual iPhone event. The update, slated for release in September, includes a host of new features and design elements that promise to enhance user experience across Apple platforms [1].

One of the standout features of iOS 26 is the introduction of Liquid Glass, a new translucent design that will be applied across all Apple devices. Liquid Glass makes apps and widgets see-through while allowing the screen to switch between dark and light modes. This design overhaul, though controversial, signifies Apple's continued effort to innovate its user interface [1].

In addition to the design changes, iOS 26 brings several new functionalities. The Phone app has been redesigned to allow users to scroll through contacts, recent calls, and voicemail messages on a single screen. A notable addition is Live Translation, which enables real-time conversations with speakers of different languages in Phone, FaceTime, and Messages. Group chats will also benefit from the inclusion of polls to simplify decision-making among friends [1].

Visual Intelligence, a feature that allows users to search for anything on their iPhone screen, is another highlight. The Photos app is getting its tabbed interface back, with separate spaces for Library and Collections. Furthermore, a new "Communication Safety" feature in FaceTime will pause communications when nudity is detected, using on-device detection to ensure privacy [1].

The iPhone lock screen is also set to receive more customization options in iOS 26. Users will have access to a new clock style, 3D wallpaper effects, additional widgets, and improved focus mode options. AirPods users will enjoy enhancements such as "studio-quality" audio recording and a camera remote control feature [1].

Meanwhile, Sketch has released an update that includes new Liquid Glass effects, customizable with blur, distortion, depth, and chromatic aberration controls. The update also includes macOS 26 and iOS 26 libraries, a concentric corners tool, progressive blurs, and an updated Apple UI library [2].

From a financial perspective, these updates signal Apple's commitment to innovation and user experience, which could drive sales and market share. The introduction of new features and design elements in iOS 26 may attract new users and enhance the loyalty of existing ones. Similarly, the update to Sketch's Liquid Glass effects could expand the software's appeal among designers and developers, potentially increasing its market share and revenue.

References:
[1] https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/ios-26-features-apple-s-big-updates-for-iphone-ipads/story
[2] https://docs.unity3d.com/6000.2/Documentation/Manual/SL-CameraDepthTexture.html