this post was submitted on 17 Jul 2026
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I never really understand this viewpoint, especially because typically this comes from developers who have extremely strong opinions about how code should look. "Well code should follow this long set of standards because it's more readable, more maintainable, more accessible, more scalable etc." Great so let's do the same with the thing that users use to interface with the code? And suddenly there's complaints about how it's usable enough, or it's usable for me so if you can't use it it's your problem, etc.
It's very siloed thinking. Unless you're making something only for you or a really tight group of users, the best application is one that anyone can use to solve whatever specific problem the application solves. And in order for anyone to use it the design must be extremely thoughtful and intentional. Just like the coding standards that often drive the development of these kinds of apps.
I think it's important for people to know that "applications" don't actually exist. On macos they're just folders that have a specific file structure.
When you run an application on mac, you're really just running a folder with all the assets inside. You could technically have an app that opens a folder, but runs arbitrary code when it's clicked and the user wouldn't be able to tell. Especially if you make the icon look like a folder.
Saying applications don't exist in this way is like saying books don't exist because they're actually just paper glue ink leather and wood
Lol, I'm agreeing with you. I'm just trying to make it clear that there is an actual special distinction in macos between an app package and an executable file. Which is why this design decision makes total sense.
App packages are closer to flatpacks in Linux. Windows just has the exe binaries with registry info for them. It's good design to visually distinguish different concepts in the GUI.
But that's exactly the thing. If it's just flare, I don't care. Often design of websites and apps is excessive animations and visual noise. Unless your design decision has clear defined purpose, I don't care about it.
Animations must be faster than my reaction speed. Hover effects must signify interactivity. Design must convey information. Otherwise it's just noise.
The article talks a lot about visual identity and consistent design and whatnot. I couldn't care less about that. What I care about, though, is if I can distinguish the icon from other stuff. Does it convey information? Does it serve a purpose? I see the purpose of coding conventions: readability, maintainability, accessibility, scalability, etc. What purpose does "liquid glass" serve?
This is true function over form where design serves utility first and finds its flare in there.
Now for the ending argument of making "apps" squircles. Yes, it does check my boxes of utility. But, was there a problem in the first place? On a phone everything is an app, so everything is a squircle? Why does mac need to follow this? Was there really confusion between files and executables? To me this smells like flare. Why should I care if the steam icon is in a squircle box or is a plain logo?