Apple has redesigned the Siri icon and several core system applications in iOS 27 Beta 5, adopting a new 'Liquid Glass' aesthetic that features dynamic, transparent visual effects as part of a broader shift toward an AI-focused platform.
Apple's latest iOS 27 developer beta introduces a significant visual overhaul to the Siri icon, moving away from static designs toward a fluid, transparent appearance that mirrors the dynamic glow users experience when activating the AI assistant. According to The Verge, the redesign employs layered, high-transparency visual effects that create a modern, glass-like quality aligned with Apple's emerging "Liquid Glass" design philosophy.
Beyond the Siri icon, Apple has also refreshed multiple system applications as part of this broader aesthetic transition. The Preview app now features a high-detail physical loupe set against a vibrant, colourful gradient background, while Safari's icon displays a brighter blue backdrop with more detailed compass elements. The Settings and App Store icons have been enhanced with deeper translucency effects that create a sense of overlapping layers responding to device movement. The Remote icon has received additional physical refinements and now uses a neutral grey background in place of pure black.
A notable functional change accompanies these visual updates: Siri is transitioning from a traditional overlay assistant to a dedicated standalone application in iOS 27. This new iteration functions as a centralised hub where users can review cross-device conversation history, save frequently-used prompts, and manage deeply integrated Apple Intelligence workflows. This shift reflects Apple's strategic emphasis on positioning artificial intelligence as a core component of its ecosystem rather than a peripheral feature.
