Why Even Apple Struggles with Icon Alignment and the Myth of Liquid Glass

In the ever-evolving world of user interface design, even the most renowned tech giants encounter their own set of challenges. A recent observation highlights that Apple, known for its sleek and consistent design language, can sometimes struggle with seemingly simple tasks like correctly centering icons.

For instance, the iconic “close” or “cross” button—an essential element in many applications—occasionally appears misaligned, reminding us that no platform is immune to design quirks. Here’s an example of a cross icon that, despite Apple’s reputation, isn’t perfectly centered:

But what’s even more intriguing is Apple’s response to such design imperfections. Instead of refining the alignment, they’ve occasionally opted to introduce what many refer to as “liquid glass” effects—visual enhancements designed to mask imperfections and create a more fluid, glossy appearance.

While these effects can add a polished look, they don’t address underlying alignment issues. This approach raises an interesting point: sometimes, visual tricks are used to compensate for challenges that are harder to fix directly.

In the world of WordPress and Web Design, this serves as a reminder that perfect alignment isn’t always straightforward, and sometimes, visual illusions are used to bridge the gap between aspiration and reality. Whether you’re developing custom themes or tweaking existing plugins, recognizing these nuances can help in delivering more polished, user-friendly interfaces.

Stay informed, experiment thoughtfully, and remember—perfection is a journey, not just a quick fix.