Apple Reverts macOS Menu Icon Change After Widespread Criticism
Apple's latest macOS update, Golden Gate, has removed the controversial menu bar icons introduced in the previous version, Tahoe. The icons, widely criticized for being distracting and inconsistent, have been reverted following pushback from users and developers who had implemented workarounds. Apple's Human Interface Guidelines have also been updated to advise sparing use of such icons.
Key points
- Apple's macOS 27 Golden Gate update has removed menu bar icons introduced in macOS 26 Tahoe.
- The icons were criticized by users and developers for being distracting, inconsistent, and poorly implemented.
- Third-party developers had previously adopted open-source code to disable the icons.
- Apple has updated its Human Interface Guidelines to recommend using menu item icons "sparingly and with purpose."
Apple's recent macOS 27 Golden Gate update has rolled back a design change that introduced icons to menu bar items in the previous version, macOS 26 Tahoe. This move follows significant criticism from the user community and software developers.
The addition of icons to every menu item in Tahoe was met with strong disapproval. Critics argued that the icons were distracting, often inconsistent across different applications, and detracted from the user experience. Prominent tech commentators and developers highlighted these issues, with some comparing the design unfavorably to elements found in other operating systems and applications.
In response to the criticism, many third-party developers opted to disable the new icons. They adopted open-source solutions, such as code provided by Brent Simmons, to restore the cleaner menu bar appearance that Mac users were accustomed to. This widespread rejection of the design by developers underscored the user dissatisfaction.
With the release of Golden Gate, Apple has not only removed the controversial icons but has also revised its Human Interface Guidelines. The updated guidelines now advise that menu item icons should be used "sparingly and with purpose," suggesting that their utility should be carefully considered to ensure they aid, rather than hinder, user navigation.
Sources
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