Yesterday, a detailed report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman outlined sweeping design changes coming in iOS 27, Apple's next major iPhone software update. Among the many revelations, one detail stood out as a potential fix for a lingering complaint about the Liquid Glass design language: the redesigned tab bars. According to Gurman, Apple is tweaking the tab bar across several apps to combine the search tab with the rest of the app's tabs, effectively reverting a controversial change made in iOS 26. This move could finally address the frustration many users have experienced with the collapsing tab bar feature.
The State of iOS 27's Design: What We Know So Far
iOS 27 is expected to be unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2026, with a public release following in the fall. Gurman's report is the most comprehensive look yet at the operating system's visual evolution. Key updates include a redesigned Siri interface that leverages the Liquid Glass aesthetic more deeply, new animations for the on-screen keyboard (where keys slide up from the bottom), systemwide search enhancements, and refreshed designs for apps like Safari, Image Playground, and Weather. But the most practical change may be the tab bar revamp.
In iOS 26, Apple introduced a tab bar that becomes transparent and collapses into a single icon when users scroll down in certain apps. This was part of the broader Liquid Glass design philosophy, which emphasizes translucency and depth. However, users quickly noticed that the collapsing behavior added an extra tap to switch between tabs—a regression from iOS 18's always-visible tab bar. Apps like Photos, Music, and Podcasts adopted this behavior, while others like News, Books, and TV kept the full bar. The inconsistency was jarring. Gurman indicates that in iOS 27, Apple is integrating the search tab back into the tab bar, which suggests a return to a more persistent, non-minimizing design. The report notes that the App Store and Games apps already reintegrated search in iOS 26.4 without minimizing the bar, setting a precedent for the rest of the system.
Why the Tab Bar Change Matters
For power users, the extra tap required to access tabs in apps like Music or Photos becomes a daily annoyance. The original iOS 26 implementation forced users to tap the minimized icon, then tap again on the desired tab. This broke the muscle memory built over years of using iOS 18 and earlier versions. The author of the original article, Ryan Christoffel, recalled experiencing this frustration multiple times each day. The hope is that by merging search and eliminating the collapse, iOS 27 will restore one-tap tab switching across all apps. Given Apple's history of iterating based on feedback—such as bringing back the Safari tab bar design in iOS 15 after backlash—this change is likely a direct response to user complaints.
Background on Liquid Glass and Its Evolution
Liquid Glass debuted with iOS 18, replacing the flat, content-focused design of iOS 7-17. It brought frosted glass effects, deep translucency, and dynamic lighting to the interface. While praised for its aesthetic polish, it introduced several usability quirks. The floating tab bar in iOS 26 was the most criticized. Beyond tabs, Liquid Glass affected menus, buttons, and navigation bars, often hiding controls until users interacted with the screen. Some apps adapted better than others. The upcoming iOS 27 update seems to refine rather than overhaul the language, keeping the glassy textures but addressing core interactions. For example, the new keyboard animation reinforces the idea that elements emerge from and recede into the screen, creating a sense of physical layers.
Additional Design Tweaks and Their Implications
Gurman's report also mentions systemwide changes beyond tabs. The Siri redesign will reportedly integrate more deeply with Liquid Glass, using expanded glass panels and animated gradients. This aligns with Apple's push for on-device intelligence and contextual awareness. The Camera app gets a UI overhaul, with a more customizable viewfinder and adaptive controls. In Safari, the address bar may adopt a floating glass design similar to the current Mac version. These changes, while cosmetic, contribute to a cohesive visual narrative across the OS. The author speculates that if Apple keeps the collapsing tab bar in iOS 27, it would also hide the newly integrated search tab—a scenario unlikely given Apple's iterative philosophy.
What Users Can Expect from iOS 27
Based on the leak, iOS 27 will feel familiar yet streamlined. The Liquid Glass foundation remains, but with adjustments that prioritize efficiency. The tab bar fix is the most tangible improvement, but the new animations and Siri integration promise to enhance daily use. The report also hints at deeper customization options for the Home Screen and Lock Screen, possibly involving widget refinements. As Apple prepares to showcase iOS 27 at WWDC, the design community will be watching closely to see if the company has truly listened to feedback. For now, the signs are positive. The combination of search reintegration and the elimination of tab bar collapse would solve the biggest design headache of iOS 26, making the system feel more responsive and less obstructive.
Beyond the tab bar, users also hope for improved multitasking gestures and better iPad integration, though Gurman's report focused on iPhone. The author of the original article expressed satisfaction that his biggest complaint might be addressed, but encouraged readers to share their own wishes in comments. As always, Apple's final implementation may differ from leaks, but the direction is clear: iOS 27 aims to refine rather than reinvent, polishing the rough edges of Liquid Glass while retaining its distinctive character.
Source: 9to5Mac News