“Liquid Glass”: From Digital Promise to Physical Reality — Did NightWatch Anticipate Apple’s Vision?
Liquid Glass: A New Term in the World of Digital Design
At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled a range of new operating systems. One of the most striking terms that captured the tech community’s attention was “liquid glass.”
But what exactly does this concept mean? Why is it considered a significant step in the evolution of user interface design?
Redefining User Interfaces
The concept of liquid glass goes beyond being just a new visual style.
It is part of a multi-layered strategy aimed at transforming the way we interact with digital interfaces.
Instead of relying on flat, minimalistic designs, Apple is introducing elements that mimic real glass—with its refractions and reflections—adding a tangible quality to digital content.
To illustrate this, imagine placing a magnifying glass over a printed newspaper:
The text at the centre appears clear, while the edges distort and bend slightly.
This visual interaction between elements and light is precisely what Apple is aiming to replicate digitally.
Spatial Depth in Design
According to some interpretations, the shift toward glass-like interfaces is not merely aesthetic.
It is part of a broader vision through which Apple aims to enhance the sense of space and depth in its interfaces.
This design approach can enrich the user experience. It does so by highlighting important elements and improving visual focus within applications.
A Familiar Aesthetic
While the concept may seem revolutionary, its roots can be traced back to earlier experiments.
For instance, in 2021, a charging stand called NightWatch offered a visual experience remarkably similar to what is now known as liquid glass.
When used with an Apple Watch, the screen appeared magnified in a clear glass-like dome. It came complete with vivid refraction effects that gave the interface a realistic, physical presence.
An Early Design Experiment Resembling Liquid Glass
One of the earliest examples of introducing visual depth and physicality into digital interfaces was a charging stand called NightWatch, which appeared in 2021.
Despite its simple concept, the design relied on visual principles similar to those now associated with the “liquid glass” direction.
Screen Magnification and Interface Transformation
NightWatch was designed as a relatively large transparent sphere.
With the Apple Watch placed inside it during nighttime charging, this spherical form didn’t just reposition the watch—it magnified its digital interface.
It made the watch resemble a traditional alarm clock that’s easy to view even in low light.
Enhancing the Auditory Experience
The design didn’t stop at visual enhancement.
The hollow structure of the stand also amplified the sound of the watch.
It made alerts and alarms more audible. This effect is similar to cupping your hands around your mouth to project sound. It reflects thoughtful acoustic interaction with physical form.
The Harmony of Form and Function in a Single Product
What makes the NightWatch experience stand out is not just its transparent appearance. The simplicity of its construction and the intelligent use of materials are also notable.
It consists of a single solid piece made from transparent acrylic (Lucite). This is without any internal electronics or hidden complexities. Yet, it manages to deliver three practical functions through a simple and refined design.
1. Optical Interface Magnification
When the watch is placed inside the stand, the spherical lens magnifies the Apple Watch interface significantly.
It makes the numbers legible from over a meter away. This greatly enhances visibility—especially at night or from a distance.
2. Natural Sound Amplification
The base includes built-in air channels positioned beneath the watch’s speakers.
These guide and amplify the sound—similar to cupping hands around the mouth.
The result is a louder, more prominent alarm sound, all without the need for an external power source.
3. Instant Touch Response
Perhaps most impressively, the acrylic surface itself is touch-responsive.
A light tap on the base automatically wakes the Apple Watch display,
allowing the user to check the time without having to touch the watch directly.
Where Physical Design Meets the Digital Interface
Although the NightWatch design dates back to 2021, the principles behind it clearly intersect with Apple’s recent move toward the “liquid glass” concept.
This concept goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about simulating real-world materials.
It makes digital interfaces feel like tangible parts of the physical world while maintaining a visual clarity that helps users focus and interact with key elements.
An Early Manifestation of Liquid Glass
By using transparent acrylic and leveraging optical magnification and refraction,
NightWatch offered an experience that closely mirrors the essence of liquid glass.
It takes the flat watch interface and transforms it into a three-dimensional, almost physical interaction.
Elements appear clearer, more prominent, and easier to visually engage with.
Compatibility Notes
It’s worth noting that NightWatch is compatible with all Apple Watch models.
Provided the watch is not enclosed in a protective case, this ensures a snug fit inside the stand.It allows for the full optical effect to be achieved.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
–NightWatch may be no more than a simple watch accessory.
However, when viewed through the lens of recent conceptual shifts,
it can be seen as a physical mirror of the liquid glass idea.
This raises an important question in the world of design:
Does innovation always begin with software?
Or do material and form still play a central role in shaping the future of digital interfaces?
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