To me, it seems like Apple’s traditional culture is dead. On one hand, while I like the classic Mac OS and Tiger-Snow Leopard Mac OS X, Apple’s UI guidelines aren’t sacred scripture; they should change as we discover new insights about human-computer interaction, and I’m open to changes that improve my productivity.

Unfortunately, in my opinion it seems that Apple’s software promotes form over function. It’s been this way for over a decade now, but macOS 26 and iOS 26 are severe regressions. It seems that there isn’t anyone at Apple in charge that is aware of what makes Apple distinct from its competitors. It’s more than just sleek visual design; it’s how the interface works. A long time ago Apple had people like Bruce Tognazzini and Don Norman. When Jobs returned, he was a major influence. Apple today, unfortunately, has neither advanced its platforms to lead the way in human-computing interaction, nor has it upheld the traditional Macintosh Human Interface Guidelines. Instead Apple is on this weird luxury brand path.

Apple’s saving graces these days are its excellent hardware, the state of Windows, and the Sisyphean nature of the Linux desktop ecosystem’s development. However, the Linux desktop works for many people, and it’s increasingly gaining ground this past year as an alternative to Windows and macOS.

I wish there were a company that pushed personal computing forward again, much like how Apple did in the pre-iPhone, pre-Cook era.