Apple spotlights Polarsteps as one of its most-loved travel apps and applauds its design approach

A new design language

Shortly after the App Store credit, Polarsteps co-founder and Head of Design Job Harmsen was invited to speak at the Amsterdam edition of Apple’s “Let’s Talk Liquid Glass.” The event brought developers together to discuss best practices for implementing Apple’s new design language in iOS 26, and to showcase strong examples from the tech community.

“Our guiding principle was restraint,” Harmsen said in his talk. “Stick to native components as much as possible, don’t slap Liquid Glass on everything, and subtly optimize the settings for readability.”

Harmsen also emphasized the broader principle behind the design implementation: “The importance of embracing native design systems on each platform, without losing the distinctive Polarsteps identity.” 

This platform-first approach has tangible results: "Beyond all the user benefits," Harmsen noted, "PR and featuring can be a valuable added bonus." For Polarsteps, Apple’s recognition has been clear proof of that.

Forthcoming design features

Looking ahead, Polarsteps continues to refine the experience for travelers at every stage of their journey. Recent updates include a refreshed tracking feature and interactive map scenes in Trip Reels, alongside continued expansion of its travel inspiration and planning tools across the platform.

About Polarsteps

Recognized by the Financial Times and Sifted as one of Europe’s fastest-growing tech companies, Polarsteps is the all-in-one travel app loved by over 20 million travelers worldwide. Travelers can easily create itineraries with the Travel Planner, see their trips automatically plotted on a beautiful world map with the Travel Tracker, and relive every adventure with premium Travel Books. Headquartered in Amsterdam and powered by an international team of 100 passionate travelers, Polarsteps is becoming the essential tool for modern-day explorers: before, during, and after their trips.