Did Apple Fire 'Lead Designer' Behind iOS 26 Liquid Glass Design? Here's What We Know

California: Apple on Monday announced its biggest software update, refreshing its UI across all its products based on iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS. The technology giant introduced its new Liquid Glass design, bringing a translucent look to all its Apps and UI flow across its platforms.

However, soon after the Apple event when the tech giant announced its biggest software update, netizens started trolling the iPhone maker.

Apple faced widespread online criticism for its Liquid Glass UI update, with many users mocking the design as unnecessary and poorly received.

Amid the trolling, an X, formerly Twitter, user named Jon Yongfook claimed in a post that he had been fired from Apple.

He wrote, “I was fired by Apple today. Me and my design team have spent the last 18 months tirelessly testing different levels of Gaussian blur on backgrounds when foreground elements are in focus. If you are looking for experts in the blur, glass liquid, grass, or fur UI space, let me know.”

In another post, Yongfook shared what he called a "glimpse" of his last projects before his alleged termination.

He wrote, “Some of my last projects before I was fired from Apple. Behold the majestic natural beauty of iOS27 Orangutan, the rustic charm of iOS28 Rattan, the nostalgia of iOS29 Candy, and the clean fresh vibe of iOS30 Sashimi.”

In yet another post, he jokingly announced a new role at Samsung, stating, “I am starting a new role as head of Shimmering 1px borders at Samsung. They really loved what they saw at WWDC, and I’m excited (yet nervous) to bring my knowledge on this topic to the Galaxy team."

However, it was later revealed that Jon Yongfook does not work at Apple, nor was he fired after the company announced its Liquid Glass UI update.

While the internet did trolled Apple’s new design, slated for release this fall across iPhone, MacBook, iPad, Apple Vision, Apple TV, and Apple Watch, there was no truth to the claims regarding Yongfook’s alleged dismissal.     

Apple faces social media backlash over Liquid Glass design 

Apple at its WWDC 2025 event, announced its biggest software update unifying the User Interface across its product range. Apple revealed iOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26, visionOS 26 and iPadOS26.

The new Liquid Glass design has been integrated across all its product line. However, soon after Apple event, the technology giant became target of a major backlash as many who witnessed the launch event were not impressed with Apple's latest design update.

Many users on social media bashed Apple saying it appeared like Windows Vista, or iOS for children.

Speaking on Apple’s latest design language, Alan Dye, Apple’s Vice President of Human Interface Design said, “At Apple, we’ve always believed in the deep integration of hardware and software that makes interacting with technology intuitive, beautiful, and delightful... This is our broadest software design update ever.”