Apple has reversed one of its most controversial design changes for macOS 26 Tahoe, reverting the updated Finder icon to its original design after a swift backlash from users. The change was made without an announcement or press release, but it comes with significant implications.
For years, Apple’s Finder icon had undergone subtle changes, but this latest update introduced a new design language dubbed “Liquid Glass” that aimed to bring clarity and fluidity across the platform. However, one small detail – the redesigned Finder icon – sparked intense criticism from users who mourned the loss of the familiar symbol of the Mac itself.
Apple’s intention behind the redesign was to create a more cohesive visual identity across its platforms, particularly with the introduction of spatial computing technology like Vision Pro. The updated icon was meant to be a celebration of clarity and polish, but it lost something intangible – familiarity.
In response to the backlash, Apple quietly reverted the Finder icon to its original design without explanation or apology. Instead, the company demonstrated an underrated truth in branding: how people feel matters more than how something looks. By recognizing that users felt emotionally dissonant with the change, Apple showed that humility and strategic decision-making can be just as powerful as innovation.
The incident highlights the importance of brand stewardship and connection. As Alan Dye, VP of human interface design, said during WWDC: “We wanted macOS to feel alive – responsive to your context, your environment, and your sense of place.” However, it’s clear that familiarity and emotional connection with a brand can sometimes be more important than perceived innovation.
The reversal of the Finder icon design serves as a reminder that branding is not about perfection but about creating an emotional connection with users. By listening to feedback and making strategic decisions, Apple demonstrated its commitment to this approach, one that prioritizes understanding user emotions over visual identity.
Source: https://www.inc.com/jason-aten/apple-just-responded-to-intense-criticism-over-the-liquid-glass-finder-icon-in-the-most-apple-way/91205836