Apple Just Changed the Finder Icon, And Users Are Not Happy

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Synopsis

Apple’s Glass UI update in macOS Tahoe flips decades of Finder icon tradition, sparking a wave of backlash from loyal Mac users.

Key takeaways

• Apple’s iconic Finder icon gets a controversial redesign in macOS Tahoe beta.
• The Liquid Glass UI update has drawn comparisons to Windows Vista.
• Loyalists argue Apple has broken its design heritage.
• Despite the backlash, the update remains in beta and can be reversed.

Apple redesigns the Finder icon after decades

Some things are considered untouchable in Apple’s design legacy – and until now, the Finder icon was one of them. Since 1996, the smiling Finder face has symbolized the Mac experience. 

But with the launch of macOS Tahoe and its glossy Liquid Glass UI, Apple has reimagined the icon, and not everyone is smiling.

The new icon doesn’t just feature a shiny texture – it swaps the legendary color sides, flipping the blue from left to right. 

This subtle yet drastic change has stirred a strong emotional response among Mac loyalists, with many voicing that Apple has “crossed a line.”

Why the Finder Icon Matters More Than You Think

Apple’s Finder icon is more than just a UI element — it’s a symbol of brand identity. Drawing inspiration from the Happy Mac boot-up icon of the 1990s, its design has long been associated with warmth, approachability, and the classic Macintosh charm.

Per Wikipedia, the logo channels the Compact Macintosh series, reflects Batman’s Two-Face, and has visual echoes of Picasso’s ‘Deux personnages’ from 1934. It’s also been likened to the Bauhaus emblem, emphasizing its deep-rooted artistic connections.

That’s why swapping the traditional left-side blue and right-side grey has caused a stir. For many, it’s not just an icon—it’s a part of computing history.

Liquid Glass UI: Bold innovation or Vista déjà vu?

Apple’s new Liquid Glass UI, announced at WWDC 2025, is meant to push the boundaries of visual design. However, critics are calling it aesthetic déjà vu, with many comparing its glossy, transparent look to Windows Vista.

The Finder icon is just one of the many UI elements affected by the update, but it’s undoubtedly the one making the most noise. Social media reactions range from confused to furious, with many users pleading for a rollback. 

Suggestions for alternative treatments – such as retaining the classic palette with a subtle sheen – are flooding Apple forums and X (formerly Twitter).

Can Apple undo this?

Fortunately, macOS Tahoe is still in beta, which gives Apple time to assess user feedback. The company hasn’t officially explained the rationale behind the icon flip, and it remains to be seen whether this was a bold experiment or a finalized decision.

But one thing is clear: tradition matters to Apple’s base. And when even the tiniest pixel tweaks cause such waves, it’s a reminder that design history can’t be redesigned overnight.

Until further updates, one thing’s for sure: macOS iPadOS 26 might look sleek, but the Finder icon drama has stolen the spotlight.

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