Basic Apple Guy writes about Apple software and hardware, including macOS icon history, product naming, and interface design.
HN links it for the macOS icon history and Golden Gate icon comparison, which commenters use to show that icon designs mattered to people.
> All I'm saying is that these icons have obviously never mattered to anyone
That's not true. You can see the history of the Disk Utility icon here: https://basicappleguy.com/basicappleblog/macos-icon-history
Look at the original 2001-2007 version, which was the nicest. It's only gotten worse over time, unfortunately. The 2020 version got an unnecessary rounded rect because macOS Big Sur introduced iOS rounded rects as a new style, and then the 2025 went completely rounded rect because Tahoe enforces it on every app.
I personally have Disk Utility in my Dock, by the way.
That is true.
I thought this was funny to see as well, although these icons redesigns happen with every MacOS release I think: https://basicappleguy.com/basicappleblog/macos-golden-gate-icon-comparison
This attention to detail is making me optimistic:
https://basicappleguy.com/basicappleblog/macos-golden-gate-icon-comparison
Im addition to the 263 small things that were on a single slide at WWDC 26
Check out https://basicappleguy.com/basicappleblog/what-does-air-mean
But yeah it now is the mid-tear iPad, the article describes the current meaning as "best for most", which imo describes it well.
See also https://basicappleguy.com/basicappleblog/macos-icon-history which was posted before.
My favorite icons for most apps are from 2013.
looks like an updated version of one of his own designs:
https://basicappleguy.com/basicappleblog/making-waves