macOS 26.1 Beta 3 Introduces New Macintosh HD Icon and UI Tweaks
macOS 26.1 Beta 3 Introduces New Macintosh HD Icon
Apple’s latest macOS 26.1 beta 3 update brings a notable change beyond the Apple TV icon—an updated Macintosh HD icon. Unlike the previous design featuring grooved holes, the new icon presents a cleaner, solid gray appearance. This minimalist redesign aims to modernize the look while sparking mixed reactions among users who either appreciate the sleekness or miss the old style.
Additional Interface Enhancements
Alongside the icon update, beta 3 improves user interface flexibility, such as allowing widgets to be freely moved instead of snapping back to default positions. These subtle but meaningful refinements contribute to a more customizable and user-friendly experience, reflecting Apple’s ongoing efforts to polish macOS usability during its beta phase.
Community Feedback and Expectations
While some users welcome the refreshed Macintosh HD icon, others find the change polarizing, highlighting how even small visual tweaks can influence user sentiment. As macOS 26.1 progresses toward release, further feedback will likely shape final design choices and functionality enhancements.
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Apple
Apple Inc. is a leading American multinational technology company known for pioneering personal computing, mobile devices, and software ecosystems. Founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, Apple revolutionized technology with the first commercially successful personal computer and mainstream adoption of the graphical user interface (GUI), setting new standards in product design, user experience, and seamless integration across devices[2]. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple’s product lineup includes the iPhone, iPad, Mac computers, Apple Watch, AirPods, and services such as the App Store, Apple Music, and iCloud. The company has built a vast ecosystem that enables third-party developers to expand product functionalities, strengthening its market dominance. Apple is widely recognized for its innovation in hardware, software, and services, with an emphasis on aesthetics and privacy. In 2025, Apple committed to its largest-ever investment initiative, pledging $600 billion over four years in the United States to boost manufacturing, research and development, and advanced technology sectors like artificial intelligence (AI) and silicon engineering[1][3]. This includes new manufacturing facilities, expanded R&D centers, and a program called the American Manufacturing Program (AMP) to encourage domestic production of critical components. These efforts support over 450,000 U.S. jobs and aim to establish a robust supply chain within the country[3]. Financially, Apple remains a powerhouse with a market capitalization of $3.84 trillion and annual revenue exceeding $400 billion. However, in 2025, it faced challenges including a 19% decline in stock value, intensified regulatory scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice over antitrust issues, legal disputes related to the App Store, and competitive pressure in AI technology[1][2]. Despite these hurdles, Apple continues to innovate, recently updating its software platforms with a unified "Liquid Glass" design and expanding its AI-driven personal assistant, Apple Intelligence[1]. Under CEO Tim Cook’s leadership, Apple balances technological advancement
