It’s always a bit of a risk when Apple releases new versions of its main operating systems, like iOS, iPadOS, or macOS. Big changes, like teh “liquid glass” on the iPhone, can change how you use your device.
However, for about ten years, Apple’s software has generally gotten better, especially as they’ve made things more open and customizable. That’s why macOS Tahoe is captivating.
I didn’t pay much attention to the update when it came out in September 2025. I don’t always update my MacBook Pro right away, and software updates feel more important when they have big design changes.
But after I finally updated, I felt relieved and reassured when I read a detailed article about the changes Apple made to menu icons in Tahoe.
Software engineer Nikita Prokopov wrote a well-explained article showing how Apple’s designers tried to add small icons to as many menu items as possible. This has created some problems now that the software is out.
the article points out that Apple’s own design guidelines from 1997 stressed consistent design. It’s surprising to see how Apple has moved away from those guidelines.
The main issue is that menus now have icons that look very similar, often making things unclear – or even more confusing.
Some of these icons are almost identical, and don’t seem to follow good design principles. It’s surprising to see this from Apple.
The article is a great read for anyone interested in how devices are made and designed. it’s also easy to understand, which makes it very helpful – check it out hear.
