Apple's shadow: honor dives deep into liquid glass ui replication

Yet another tech giant is chasing Apple’s ghost. Honor’s MagicOS 11 teaser has ignited a firestorm of criticism, revealing a disconcertingly similar approach to the iPhone’s signature Liquid Glass UI.

A familiar facelift, but is it ethical?

The buzz around Honor’s new interface is undeniable, fueled by videos showcasing a translucent aesthetic – think shimmering icons and a reactive design reminiscent of iOS 26’s transitions. It’s a blatant mimicry of Apple’s groundbreaking innovation, a strategy sadly all too common in the smartphone industry.

Android Headlines flagged the similarities, pointing to the ‘Magic Capsule’ – a direct analogue of Apple’s Dynamic Island. The visual cues are unmistakable: a refractive quality to the UI elements, blurring the lines between software and hardware. This isn't innovation; it’s a desperate grab for relevance.

Pixel first, then imitation

Google’s Android 17 rollout to Pixel devices last month underscored the problem: Apple’s design language has become the de facto standard, influencing virtually every manufacturer. While Oppo’s ColorOS has long flirted with iOS aesthetics, Honor’s approach feels more aggressive, more calculated. It’s a calculated risk, but one that risks alienating consumers who value originality.

The coloros comparison

Let’s be frank: Chinese brands have been ‘inspired’ by Apple’s design for years. Oppo’s ColorOS, for example, is a veritable carbon copy of iOS, boasting control centers, settings menus, and even that infuriating Fluid Cloud notification capsule. But Honor’s move goes further – it’s a wholesale adoption, lacking any semblance of distinction.

When imitation becomes theft

This isn’t about admiring Apple’s success; it’s about the ethical implications of blatant copying. It’s a cynical tactic, a way to shortcut the development process and capitalize on a pre-established design. Frankly, it's insulting to the engineers and designers who pioneered Liquid Glass.

The timeline

Honor typically releases OS updates towards the end of summer, so we can expect MagicOS 11 – and its Liquid Glass-inspired interface – to hit devices sometime later this year. But the question remains: will consumers tolerate this relentless imitation, or will they finally demand something truly original?