The macOS Tahoe 26.1 beta changed the Macintosh HD icon, but it still looks wrong

Among the many iconic changes in macOS Tahoe is the icon used for the Mac’s internal storage. Since Macs no longer use hard drives, the hard drive icon in macOS Sequoia and older isn’t accurate. So, in Tahoe, Apple switched the icon to…a silver box, which represents the Mac’s internal SSD.

The buzz on the internet is that users don’t like the silver box. Apparently, Apple thinks it can be improved, too. In the macOS Tahoe 26.1 beta 3 that was released this week, Apple tweaked the original icon design. In the image at the top of this article, the icon on the right is the updated version. So, Apple removed the slot and holes on the bottom of the drive, so the silver box is even more like a silver box. (You didn’t think that was possible, did you? I didn’t.)

There are so many things wrong with this icon, but here’s my main problem: it’s inaccurate. The internal Mac SSD looks nothing like that. Apple should design an icon that closely represents the internal SSD. Yes, the internal SSD is just a bunch of nondescript chips, but Apple can use its design savvy to make it look good. Just look at the new Network icon in the Tahoe 26.1 beta 3–that thing looks cool. No doubt that Apple can do something just as good for an internal SSD icon.

Apple

I can get used to the fact that internal storage doesn’t look like a spinning drive anymore. I mean, it’s not like Mac users haven’t made adjustments before, and I think most Mac users would better appreciate an icon that is artistic and accurate, instead of one that panders. As long as Apple sticks with the silver box, at least users can take matters into their own hands that change the icon.