Bad Dye Job
Apple’s decision to replace long‑time design lead Alan Dye with software designer Steve Lemay is prompting renewed scrutiny of the company’s user interface direction, especially the much‑criticized “Liquid Glass” aesthetic. Commenters highlight years of frustration with what they see as form‑over‑function design choices, declining attention to detail, and awkward UX in areas like notifications, navigation, and media playback. The change is widely interpreted as a chance for Apple to reset its software and UI priorities, though many argue that deeper cultural and leadership issues will need to be addressed for any real improvement.
Overall Reaction to Dye’s Departure and Lemay’s Promotion
- Many commenters are pleased or “giddy” that Apple’s software design leadership is changing, hoping it mirrors how hardware improved after Jony Ive left.
- Some see this as a “positive transformation” and expect repressed designers to finally “set things right.”
- Others are more cynical, arguing the glassy “Liquid Glass” direction was a broader corporate decision, so Dye leaving doesn’t remove the remaining “clowns.”
Debate Over Gruber’s Credibility and Sources
- Several comments question how an Apple-focused commentator could say he’d “never heard much” about Lemay, suggesting his sources may be mostly engineers or mid‑level managers.
- Others respond that quiet, competent designers don’t generate gossip, and that he has criticized Dye and Apple UI for years, including on his podcast.
- There’s discussion that one critical piece and some inflammatory language may have reduced his Apple access.
Assessment of Dye-Era Design and “Liquid Glass”
- Widespread criticism of recent UI: unreadable transparency, disruptive popups (e.g., Apple Music over Maps, CarPlay notifications), and “FU UX” moments.
- “Liquid Glass” is seen by many as form-over-function compared with Aqua’s detail-obsessed, task-focused design.
- A minority defends Liquid Glass (and other polarizing Apple choices) as similar to how iOS 7 was initially hated but became an industry direction.
- Some note Lemay reportedly contributed to Liquid Glass as well, tempering expectations.
Hardware vs Software and Authentication UX
- Hardware design is viewed as having recovered (thicker Macs, post‑butterfly keyboard era), while software is “please!” or “jumped the shark.”
- Strong debate over Face ID vs Touch ID:
- Pro–Touch ID: more reliable for some users; can be in power button, back of phone, or under-screen; desire for its return and even for the physical home button.
- Pro–Face ID: works well for others, including with masks; valued on iPad and newer iPhones.
- Some praise specific recent UI wins (home-button-less iPhone X gestures, Dynamic Island).
Broader Critiques of Apple and OS Trends
- Several long‑time users feel Apple has become a monopoly-like, ad/platform-first company that reduces user agency over data and filesystem.
- Others counter that macOS Finder is still relatively transparent; iOS’s app-siloed model is more problematic.
- Frustration with Apple’s Feedback Assistant and bug/UX issues (HDR auto‑brightness, playlist syncing behavior, iOS 26 notification readability) reinforces a sense that attention to detail and craftsmanship has declined.