YouTube is testing a new video player look. The design resembles iOS 26

The YouTube platform has changed its interface appearance many times during its existence, and in the last few years alone, it has experimented with a variety of designs for different UI elements. Now, redesigned video player controls are causing a stir, as they strikingly resemble Apple’s new design language.

Another modernization on the horizon

As noted by 9to5Google, a number of posts have appeared on the social network Reddit revealing a new design for video player controls on YouTube. It is likely appearing randomly as part of limited testing, regardless of whether the user is a subscriber or not.

Screenshots show that with the new design, the controls are placed in bubbles. One belongs to the play/pause button, another to the time indicator, and the last one unifies the remaining buttons. Each bubble partially lets through colors from the background video.

Looking at the button design, many will be reminded of the appearance of elements in the iOS 26 operating system, which Apple first showed at this year’s WWDC conference. As part of the design language called Liquid Glass, the American electronics manufacturer has integrated it into other platforms as well, such as iPadOS or watchOS.

Whether the new YouTube design will ever reach all users is not yet clear. It is possible that Google is only experimenting with it to gather feedback. We will have to wait for official information.

How do you like the new design of the player controls?

Sources: Reddit, 9to5Google