macOS Golden Gate Marks Apple's Return to Design Excellence

Apple's decision to remove menu icons in macOS Golden Gate represents far more than a UI correction—it signals the restoration of design discipline within the company. The icons, introduced in Tahoe, became emblematic of poor design judgment, with their inconsistency and visual noise criticized by professional designers and users alike. This reversal demonstrates that Apple's design leadership has regained the judgment needed to distinguish between fleeting trends and enduring usability principles.