macOS Tahoe Icons Violate Apple's Own Design Guidelines

The release of macOS Tahoe has reignited debates regarding the aesthetic direction of Apple's desktop operating system. Following a wave of criticism late last year, where commenters labeled the new app icons as 'terrible' and 'objectively bad,' a new technical concern has emerged.

Software engineer Nikita Prokopov has drawn attention to the specific icons used within the system's menus. His analysis reveals that the design philosophy behind these menu items almost exactly mirrors an approach that Apple explicitly advised against in its original 1992 Macintosh Human Interface Guidelines. This revelation suggests that the current design choices contradict foundational principles previously championed by the company.

The visual overhaul accompanying macOS Tahoe has been a polarizing topic since its introduction. Initial feedback from the tech community was swift and often harsh, with many users expressing dissatisfaction with the new iconography. The sentiment was captured in a poll conducted by 9to5Mac, which revealed exceedingly mixed views among its readership regarding the aesthetic changes.

Despite the divided opinions, the core issue raised by users centered on the perceived decline in visual clarity and adherence to established standards. The controversy moved beyond general preference when specific technical inconsistencies were identified.

• Commenters described the icons as 'terrible'
• Others labeled the design 'objectively bad'
• Polls showed a divided user base

The most significant critique comes from software engineer Nikita Prokopov, who analyzed the icons used specifically within macOS Tahoe menus. His findings indicate a direct contradiction to advice found in the Macintosh Human Interface Guidelines established in 1992.

According to Prokopov's observations, the current menu icons almost exactly mirror an approach that the 1992 guidelines explicitly advised against. This suggests that the design team may have overlooked or intentionally disregarded foundational rules intended to ensure consistency and usability across the Mac ecosystem. The 1992 guidelines are considered a seminal document in user interface design, making any deviation from them notable within the developer community.

The scrutiny facing macOS Tahoe highlights the enduring relevance of historical design principles. While user opinions on aesthetics often vary, the specific violation of the 1992 Macintosh Human Interface Guidelines identified by Nikita Prokopov presents a concrete argument against the new iconography. As the debate continues, the situation serves as a reminder that even modern operating systems are judged against the standards set by their predecessors.