BasicAppleGuy (@[email protected])
Users discussing and critiquing Apple’s new icons, expressing discontent with design changes and lack of recognizability, referencing original icon superiority, and observing humorous interpretations of icons.
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MacPaw Pulls the Plug on SetApp Mobile App Marketplace
MacPaw is closing the Setapp Mobile app marketplace on February 16, 2026, due to unprofitable business terms. EU users must back up their app data before the shutdown, while the Mac app store will remain operational. Critics argue this highlights Apple's failure to promote alternative app marketplaces, which lack user demand. The EU's regulation efforts are seen as misguided since users generally prefer the App Store. Popular demand for third-party app solutions is not present, limiting their success.
https://daringfireball.net/2026/01/macpaw_pulls_plug_on_setapp_mobile_in_eu
Apple Debuts ‘Apple Creator Studio’ Subscription, Here’s What You Get
Apple launches Apple Creator Studio subscription for $12.99/month, offering apps like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Pixelmator Pro on Mac/iPad. College students can subscribe for $2.99/month. New features include AI enhancements for all apps, and Pixelmator Pro optimized for iPad with Apple Pencil support. Keynote, Pages, and Numbers introduce a content hub and new image tools, while free versions remain available with updates. Subscription includes a one-month free trial.
https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/13/apple-debuts-apple-creator-studio-subscription-heres-what-you-get/
Does “Luxury Design for the Rest of Us” Even Make Sense?
Apple's design focus has shifted from catering to the general public to appealing to a luxury market, as criticized following executive changes. Jony Ive's influence led to a minimalist aesthetic that lacks personality, moving away from the vibrant, playful designs of earlier Apple products. The current designs are seen as cold and utilitarian, prioritizing visual appeal over user experience. There’s a call for Apple to return to creating products with character and warmth, embracing color and texture, rather than conforming to a luxury aesthetic.
https://tidbits.com/2026/01/03/does-luxury-design-for-the-rest-of-us-even-make-sense/
Choosing a Driving Route in CarPlay
Apple's CarPlay UI for choosing driving routes is flawed, as users can't tap anywhere on route descriptions, only on the Go button. This contradicts their historical design philosophy, which allowed labels to be clickable. This inconsistency raises concerns about Apple's adherence to long-standing UI principles.
https://leancrew.com/all-this/2026/01/choosing-a-driving-route-in-carplay/
WalletWallet — Create Apple Passes for Free
Free web utility converts barcodes to Apple Wallet passes. Enter the barcode, customize the appearance, and download the .pkpass. No sign-up or installation required.