The iOS-ification of Android: Why Your Favorite Apps Are Starting to Seem… Familiar
If I wanted Liquid Glass, I’d buy an iPhone. It doesn’t belong on Android. And yet, I’m seeing more and more of Apple’s design language – or half-baked versions of it – pop up in apps on my Google Pixel.
Android has long been known for its customization options. For that reason, I don’t mind some of the third-party launchers that have added Liquid Glass-like design packs. The issue isn’t about a third-party developer giving the user the option; it’s when an app developer chooses Apple’s design language over Google’s Material 3 Expressive as the default, leading to an experience that feels foreign.
A Growing Trend: From Subtle Hints to Full-On Imitation
There are levels to this. Some apps are leaning on Liquid Glass more than others. The most recent and blatant implementation I’ve seen is in Obsidian. This app was recently updated and the UI screams iOS. The circular floating buttons, the floating bar at the bottom, the lack of color – it’s all straight from Apple’s design playbook. Even as the app feels snappy to use, it lacks the distinct feel of an Android application.
Telegram is another example. It recently released an overhauled design of its Android app that, at first glance, looks like a watered-down version of the iOS version. Personal chats still have Telegram’s old design, while channels now resemble iOS design language. I notice elements of Liquid Glass and a proprietary design system, mixed into one hodgepodge of an app.
Why Are Android Apps Borrowing From iOS?
I get it, these apps are businesses, and businesses like to save money where they can. Using only one design across multiple platforms is a cost-cutter. However, this approach often results in a subpar experience for Android users. A good example of a company that maintains a consistent, unique design across platforms is Robinhood. You won’t find any bits of Liquid Glass or Material 3 Expressive in its apps, but you will see a consistent design system.
When Google announced Material 3 Expressive, it showcased bold ideas for app design. Approaching a year since that announcement, I don’t see anything remotely close to what Google showcased, even from Google itself. Material 3 Expressive has so much potential, and it’s disappointing to see it underutilized.
Did you know? According to a recent poll, 45% of Android users have noticed Liquid Glass design elements in apps they use, while 51% have not.
The Importance of Platform-Specific Design
Android’s strength lies in its flexibility and customization. Adopting iOS design elements undermines this core principle. It’s not about rejecting all outside influence; it’s about respecting the unique characteristics of each platform. Google’s Material You, for example, allows for dynamic color theming based on the user’s wallpaper, a feature that’s distinctly Android.
Pro Tip: If you’re an app developer, consider investing in platform-specific UI design. It shows respect for your users and can lead to a more engaging experience.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Android Design?
The trend of iOS-ification raises questions about the future of Android’s visual identity. Will Google continue to push Material 3 Expressive, or will Android apps increasingly converge on a homogenized, iOS-inspired aesthetic? The answer likely lies in a combination of factors, including developer resources, user demand, and Google’s continued commitment to its design language.
FAQ
Q: What is Liquid Glass?
A: Liquid Glass is a design aesthetic popularized by iOS, characterized by blurred transparency effects and a minimalist look.
Q: What is Material 3 Expressive?
A: Material 3 Expressive is Google’s latest design language for Android, focusing on bold colors, dynamic theming, and expressive animations.
Q: Why are Android apps copying iOS designs?
A: It’s often a cost-saving measure for developers, as it allows them to maintain a single design codebase across multiple platforms.
Q: Is this trend harmful to Android?
A: It can diminish Android’s unique identity and reduce the platform’s appeal to users who value customization and flexibility.
What are your thoughts on the iOS-ification of Android? Share your opinions in the comments below!
