Recent criticisms of MacOS 26 (Tahoe) menu icons highlight their poor implementation, distracting nature, and inconsistency. While icons can be useful in moderation, Tahoe's excessive and uniform approach harms usability. Apple’s heavy-handed incorporation of icons into third-party apps has cluttered menus, prompting developers, like Rogue Amoeba, to remove them for cleaner designs. The aim is to enhance menu clarity and restore consistent experiences in their products.
https://weblog.rogueamoeba.com/2026/01/10/removing-tahoes-unwanted-menu-icons/