It sometimes happens that different companies create designs that look the same at the same time, and it does happen, even when they hide it from each other. This happened with Microsoft and Apple.
Apple recently introduced the Liquid Glass “iOS 26” interface design and at almost identic time Microsoft revealed its new Office icons, which also resemble a glass design. Some joke that Apple fans really like Microsoft icons.
When the Liquid Glass software update was first announced, rival brands, including Microsoft, were quick to mock the design. Now, it seems the brand has embraced the hypnotic visuals, much to the delight of iOS users who are excited about the new integration.
Innovations don’t always catch on quickly or are liked at first sight. It takes getting used to and a longer period for everything to fall into place and for people to get used to the innovation.
It’s safe to say that when Microsoft announced the new Office icons, users weren’t happy. Their sleek, fluid design is a big departure from the previous corporate glitz, and as we know, the average internet user hates change. Critics were predictably harsh, calling the updated designs as “ugly” and “horrible” and looking like they were “drawn by a three-year-old.”
Despite some negative feedback from users, Apple fans seemed to like the new look (which is not surprising, considering that many accused Microsoft of stealing Apple’s aesthetic). Appearing on icons and apps, the new Office logos came to life with Apple’s Liquid Glass UI, earning praise from fans.
“Gotta give a shoutout to Microsoft for actually using Icon Composer to create these awesome layered Liquid Glass app icons!” commented one X user. “This is definitely one of the best implementations of Liquid Glass I’ve seen yet,” wrote one fan on Reddit, while another, overcome with nostalgia, wrote: “That’s it, welcome back to Windows 7.”
And anyway, we have to admit that everything goes with respect. There are cases when there are escalating conflicts between companies, in which neither is the winner. We cannot say that something was stolen, after all, large corporations are principled and such cases occur quite rarely. So let’s rejoice in the designs and move forward with our heads held high.
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