A Blast from the Past
At the recent Apple WWDC 2025 event, Apple introduced its new Liquid Glass UI design for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and MacOS Tahoe 26, branding it as “delightful”, “elegant”, and “modern”. But the transparent aesthetic launched by Apple didn’t strike everyone as fresh and cutting-edge. In fact, for some observers, it was a nostalgic nod to the past, reminiscent of designs from before the era of the iPhone.
Microsoft’s Cheeky Retort
Not one to miss an opportunity, Microsoft’s official TikTok account winked at this déjà vu by posting a video with screenshots of Windows Vista and Windows 7, captioned amusingly with “Just gonna leave this here”. According to Creative Bloq, this playful jab quickly became a viral sensation, amassing over 1.5 million views, proving once again that a rivalry with a sprinkle of humor can capture the internet’s fancy.
Trolling the Trend
Microsoft’s video made waves not just due to its humor but also for sparking a dialogue about tech evolution. Many tech enthusiasts chimed in, recalling how Microsoft debuted the Aero Glass UI back in 2006 – a design notable for its blurred, translucent borders. The Aero Glass style was accentuated in Windows 7, but was later ditched in favor of a more streamlined look from Windows 8 onward.
A Deeper Dive into Design
While the discourse may seem lighthearted, it brings to light a deeper contention: creativity versus innovation. Critics ponder whether Apple’s design is a true leap forward or a regurgitation of yesteryear’s ideas. Apple’s Liquid Glass UI, with its groundbreaking hardware acceleration, real-life reflections, and bokeh effects, might be miles ahead of Vista’s aesthetic shell, debunking the imitation claims.
The Art of UI Evolution
In the grand narrative of design evolution, Apple’s tactic is not unprecedented. Historically, tech companies have often cycled through older concepts and re-envisioned them to align with modern capabilities. This begs the question: is it about being the first to execute an idea, or the one to execute it best?
The Nostalgia Factor
Amid the banter, a nostalgic sentiment surfaced among users, longing for the aesthetic charm that Aero Glass once brought to their screens. As quips about the “8,000 errors, 2,500 viruses, and 700 blue screens” that led to Vista’s infamy rolled in, it became clear – sometimes, tech wars are just as much about the memories as the innovations.
For anyone following the tech industry’s whirls and whorls, the jocular exchange between these tech titans serves as a humorous reminder of how far we’ve come – and the quirky turns along the way.