Hardware

honor’s android 17 update might be the most blatant liquid glass clone yet [video]

At a glance:\n- MagicOS 11, based on Android 17, copies Apple’s Liquid Glass design with waterdrop buttons and glowing effects.\n- The update is currently being tested on the Honor Magic 8 series (Magic 8, Magic 8 Pro, Magic 8 Pro Air, Magic 8 RSR Porchse Design).\n- A wider rollout is expected later this year, with additional Honor devices and the Magic V6 launching globally in June.\n\n## Overview of the Liquid Glass copy\nHonor’s latest MagicOS 11 update is a direct imitation of Apple’s Liquid Glass design language that debuted in iOS. The new interface features waterdrop‑style buttons, subtle light refractions, and glowing accents that mirror the aesthetic of recent iPhone models. While Google has stated that Liquid Glass won’t appear on official Pixel devices, Android manufacturers, especially in China, have a long history of borrowing iPhone design cues.\n\n## MagicOS 11 details and testing\nMagicOS 11 is built on Android 17 and is currently in testing on the Honor Magic 8 series:\n- Magic 8\n- Magic 8 Pro\n- Magic 8 Pro Air\n- Magic 8 RSR Porchse Design\n\nVideos posted to Weibo and Telegram show the new UI in action, revealing the glass‑like translucency and subtle glow effects that give the OS its “Liquid Glass” nickname. Honor plans to roll out the update to other devices later in the year.\n\n## Broader context: other Android copy attempts\nApple’s Liquid Glass design has already inspired several Android skins. Oppo’s ColorOS 16 and Vivo’s OriginOS 6 both incorporate similar translucent elements, but Honor’s implementation is the most comprehensive to date. The trend highlights a broader pattern of Chinese manufacturers adopting high‑profile design language from Apple to attract consumers.\n\n## Upcoming releases and market moves\nIn addition to MagicOS 11, Honor is expanding its global footprint. The Magic V6 will be available worldwide in June, with pre‑orders beginning shortly. Honor also plans to:\n- Bring its Android phones to Canada\n- Launch a Robot Phone before September ends, featuring ARRI camera upgrades\n\nThese moves signal Honor’s intent to compete more aggressively in the premium smartphone market.

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FAQ

What is MagicOS 11 and how does it relate to Android 17?
MagicOS 11 is Honor’s custom operating system built on Android 17. It incorporates design elements that mimic Apple’s Liquid Glass aesthetic, such as waterdrop‑style buttons and glowing accents. The OS is being showcased in videos on Weibo and Telegram, demonstrating its translucent UI. While it is based on Android 17, the visual overhaul aligns it closely with iOS’s recent design trends. Honor plans to release the update on other devices later this year.
Which Honor devices are currently testing MagicOS 11?
The update is being tested on the Honor Magic 8 series, which includes the Magic 8, Magic 8 Pro, Magic 8 Pro Air, and Magic 8 RSR Porchse Design models. These devices showcase the Liquid Glass‑inspired UI in action. The testing phase is visible in videos shared on Weibo and Telegram. Honor intends to expand the rollout to additional devices once the update is finalized. The Magic 8 series represents the flagship lineup for this OS iteration.
When can consumers expect MagicOS 11 on other Honor phones?
Honor has announced that the update will launch later in the year on other devices beyond the Magic 8 series. The company is also preparing the Magic V6 for a global release in June, with pre‑orders beginning shortly. In addition, Honor plans to introduce its Android phones to Canada, broadening its market presence. A Robot Phone is slated for launch before September ends, featuring ARRI camera upgrades. These product moves demonstrate Honor’s strategy to compete in the premium smartphone segment.

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