Apple’s innovative Liquid Glass design may not appeal to everyone, but it has certainly caught the attention of the design community. This week, Apple was honored with four prestigious awards from the Art Directors Club (ADC) for their new UI design, including a Gold Cube — the second-highest award given by the organization.
The ADC Awards specifically recognized “iOS 26 Liquid Glass,” focusing on the iPhone design rather than the iPad or Mac. This distinction may resonate with Mac users who have found the transition to the Liquid Glass UI on macOS 26 Tahoe less than ideal.
Despite initial reservations, Liquid Glass seems to fit seamlessly into iOS. Many users who were hesitant to update to iOS 26 due to Liquid Glass have found their opinions shifting to neutral or even positive after using it for a few weeks. While not everyone may agree, for many, the challenge lies in adapting to a new design rather than the design itself.
The ADC Awards validate the positive reception of Liquid Glass among designers, as highlighted by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The Gold Cube for iOS 26 Liquid Glass was awarded in the “Interactive / UX / UI” category, with Apple also winning a Silver Cube and two Bronze Cubes for different aspects of design and innovation.
Apple’s success at the ADC Awards wasn’t limited to Liquid Glass. They also received recognition for their Apple TV rebranding and various ad campaigns. Over the years, Apple has been a frequent recipient of ADC Awards for their exceptional design and advertising efforts.
The ADC Awards, established by the Art Directors Club in 1921, have a rich history of honoring excellence in various design disciplines. With a focus on advertising, digital media, photography, and more, the ADC Awards celebrate the best in art and design across a wide spectrum of industries.
