Apple's Most Questionable Design Decisions in Recent Memory

[Karma*Police]

Or a pouch would be better. Why would you even use the case considering it have no real practical uses? The battery life is phenomenal so no need to use the cases “sleep mode” if they had a normal on off button/ sensor

Of course it’s practical. It keeps the aluminum from getting scratched. Agree on battery… I don’t use the cover to conserve battery life.

 

[pcote]

I would tend to add those as well to the list:

- TouchBar – I use it accidentally more often than intentionally.
- Removal of the audio jacks on all newer iPads – iPads are now closer from Macs than iPhones, from an utilitarian point of view. If you do any audio work with your iPad, you’ll probably agree. Having to carry a dongle for this is a bit ridiculous. At least, it wasn’t removed from any Macs… yet! ?
- 2021’s MacBook Pros with M1 are now harder to pickup from the front and side with a single hand because there isn’t any place for your fingers to grip the edge.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

It's easy to see that the years where Jony Ive was left unchecked (between Steve's health deterioration and Ive's "departure") are the Apple dark ages.

Apple had blunders before (like the hockey-puck and single-button mice), but I'm glad that he left so Apple could become great again.

I agree that the notch on MBPs is a blunder also, but perhaps a minor one given you have the extra screen real estate to accommodate it.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

*sigh*

I love my 'trashcan" Mac Pro.

I didn't have any issues with it when I received it, and it worked like a mule without issues until 2019. I ran VMs, I did work, I code on it... I threw everything at it.

2019 I updated to High Sierra and started having glitches. A few updates later, it was mostly resolved. I have bought an iMac Pro in 2020 and have switch the majority of my work over since, but the Trashcan Mac Pro still works. I powered it on a couple times in 2021 just to update it and check on a few things.

I think I'm a "Pro" user, but not in the way that needed a lot of IO expandability. The trashcan Mac Pro was perfect for me. I needed Portability and yet still really powerful. With 8-cores at the time and 64GB RAM, it was easy to move around (when I need to clean it, clean my desk, my office space, etc.).

Not a big fan of the newer Mac Pro... that thing is HEAVY. Would have love Apple to offer both form-factors.

THAT is the biggest complaint. I thought the Mac Pro Tube was dope (I slipped on my drool when I saw the Product Red one), until I found out it REPLACED the Mac Pro. It simply was too early for Apple to do that, same as with the ONE-port-type MacBook Pro.

That whole era of Apple transitioning its devices from the most easily upgradeable/repairable to fully sealed was a painful one.

Alas, here we are: Nothing but sealed devices, EXCEPT for the soon-to-die-as-it-is-now Mac Pro.

But now we can live with it, I guess, since the wireless/cloud/Internet/TB infrastructure has become fast, powerful, and ubiquitous, and even an iPad can be capable of real work.

The future is here.

 

[farmboy]

I love the effort Apple puts in product design, and I regret when is goes beyond the attention to user's need. The round mouse was a good example of something that was a bad good idea.

Yeah, it was terrible....and it was 2009.

 

[msackey]

It came out with Apple Pencil 2 and the NEXT version of iPad, I believe. Maybe it was a year after the iPad you had? The iPad available when Apple Pencil 1 came out just didn't have induction charging for the pencil, and the pencil couldn't do it anyway.

Yeah, I bought the original iPad Pro and then several years later upgraded to I think the 2nd generation iPad Pro which uses the induction charged Pencil 2. The Pencil 2 is much much better. I love that there is a place to store it, that there is the touch-tap 'button'. I do wish that the other end of the pencil could also be used as an eraser; that would be helpful.

 

[msackey]

To carry on about the mouse.

Do you see any difference in the 2 mice in the below photo? One has AA batteries, the other the built in battery. Weight difference is negligible. They both do exactly the same thing. For what good reason did Apple replace AA's in the mouse? Why fix what is not broken? What do we do when the built in battery fails? Buy a whole new mouse? Same goes for the BT keyboard and trackpad. Apple batteries don't exactly have the best track record.

I agree regarding why use built-in battery as opposed to rechargeable AA. On the other hand, a guess is that Apple thinks the built-in battery is going to last through so many charges (maybe more than a decade) that by the time the battery goes kaput, the mouse would have developed issues before then or the user would want to get a new model?

Not sure.

That said, I think I've had my Magic Mouse for over a decade now and have no thoughts of replacing it. It works just fine.

 

[EuroChilli]

I agree regarding why use built-in battery as opposed to rechargeable AA. On the other hand, a guess is that Apple thinks the built-in battery is going to last through so many charges (maybe more than a decade) that by the time the battery goes kaput, the mouse would have developed issues before then or the user would want to get a new model?

Not sure.

That said, I think I've had my Magic Mouse for over a decade now and have no thoughts of replacing it. It works just fine.

Thats just it. I got my AA mouse about 8 years ago. The only reason I got a ‘newer’ model is that my wife now needed one. Thing with this ‘newer’ one is it looks and performs exactly like the older one. So again, I see no logical reason whatsoever for Apple to have switched battery types.

I know I’m farting into the wind here, but hey, at least I’m trying. At the end of the day, Apple is going to do what they’re going to do.

 

[farmboy]

even without the underground charging port on the magic mouse, that mouse sucks regardless. the lack of ergonomics is why so many people prefer the Logitech MX Master 2/3 over it. the butterfly keyboard is also terrible. even if we were to disregard the fact that the keyboard's broken buttons, the low key travel was hated by many. i had a group project with a guy that had the butterfly keyboard. i asked him what he thought of it and he told me that it sucks. i had a thinkpad at the time and he told me my keyboard was a lot better. it's almost as if people prefer keyboards with key travel.

If you want to compare preferences for specific Logitech mouse models with Apple's mouse, which sells in the hundreds of millions, you're going to lose. The ergonomics are just fine. As for keyboards, the butterfly keyboard "was" not "is", and I would simply disagree; key travel equals slower typing. And yes, I had an old Thinkpad as well.

 

[farmboy]

No mention of the worst overlooked questionable design decision, the pentalobe screw? It served no purpose other than to prevent owners from opening up and accessing the internals of their devices to do repairs and upgrades.

And you couldn't find a dozen other owners who wouldn't bork their machines attempting repairs and upgrades. That's why. Andif you're really that motivated to mess around inside, you can buy the appropriate tools.

 

[Marshall73]

Never liked the method by which one could charge Apple Pencil 1.

iPad lollipop. I just used the adaptor with mine though.

 

[SactoGuy18]

My big current gripe: can Apple offer a decent Apple-branded ergonomic keyboard? Both Microsoft and Logitech have them for Windows machines (wireless and USB Type A port), and Apple should engage the services or Microsoft or Logitech to built a Mac-specific split ergonomic keyboard that is a low cost option for the iMac models.

 

[SFjohn]

Yup, I brought it up above somewhere. An infuriating piece of crap.

It looked awesome, until you tried to use it!

 

[Sophisticatednut]

Of course it’s practical. It keeps the aluminum from getting scratched. Agree on battery… I don’t use the cover to conserve battery life.

Outside of the exposed parts and unprotected headband etc. a form fitting putch would at least offer complete protection.

If you want to compare preferences for specific Logitech mouse models with Apple's mouse, which sells in the hundreds of millions, you're going to lose. The ergonomics are just fine. As for keyboards, the butterfly keyboard "was" not "is", and I would simply disagree; key travel equals slower typing. And yes, I had an old Thinkpad as well.

I’m sorry but this isn’t a preference. The MM might be loved by a few dozens of people, it’s still medically a horrible unergonomic mouse hurting people.

It’s equally fine as using a stylus on an iMac screen and equally bad design objectively speaking

And you couldn't find a dozen other owners who wouldn't bork their machines attempting repairs and upgrades. That's why. Andif you're really that motivated to mess around inside, you can buy the appropriate tools.

That’s the thing… you could find because they had the option, now you can’t because apple act as our mother

My big current gripe: can Apple offer a decent Apple-branded ergonomic keyboard? Both Microsoft and Logitech have them for Windows machines (wireless and USB Type A port), and Apple should engage the services or Microsoft or Logitech to built a Mac-specific split ergonomic keyboard that is a low cost option for the iMac models.

Impossible. It’s not part of apples DNA. They can make beautiful things but not an ergonomic design. I don’t think they ever done it in the history of apple. 100% of their mouses have been kind of band, same with their keyboards for the same reason, mac pro wheels, iMac tilting, Apple Pencil 1. iPhone 4 holding it wrong etc

 

[Sophisticatednut]

Old Apple Remote = Has gyros, can play games without needing another controller
New Apple Remote = No more gyros, need to buy another controller for games

Winner: Old Apple remote (and Asphalt 8+ on Apple Arcade)

to be fair... apple remote is't a good controller. Makes more sense to use your iPhone instead

 

[EuroChilli]

And you couldn't find a dozen other owners who wouldn't bork their machines attempting repairs and upgrades. That's why. Andif you're really that motivated to mess around inside, you can buy the appropriate tools.

Right. When I ordered a new battery from iFixit for my 2011 MBP it came with a screwdriver, but I at least know what I’m doing in there, others will brick their devices.

 

[jackietreeh0rn]

I've read somewhere that the magic mouse doesn't really take long to charge so probably it is not as big a deal as it is made out to be. (Plus also many comments here indicating the same)

Personally I've used the Apple TV4 remote for about 6 years... it wasn't the best but it was just ok- manageable, I guess.. I got used to it. OTOH I still continue to use a 2018 MBP with the dreaded butterfly keyboard... it is a miracle that I haven't had any issues with it(yet), but would i prefer a keyboard with greater travel and the feel of a scissor switch mechanism? HELL YEAH.

 

[Alwis]

While many items will stay plugged in, there are still things like drives, etc. that will get plugged in at various times, necessitating either an extension cable or fiddling with the back.

At least they should add USB-C port on the side. Oh sure, even the iMac has to be as thin as possible, so that is not possible...

That is exactly the reason, why I always have a plugged in USB-C cable on my desk, as the back of my iMac is hard to reach. And I hate it...

I would use a USB-C hub, but in every test I read there was none without issues and all decent hubs need an external power supply, which I do not want for various reasons.

In the "old" days the USB plug at the Keyboard was quite useful, but they removed the option for the wired keyboard to.

I got my AA mouse about 8 years ago. The only reason I got a ‘newer’ model is that my wife now needed one. Thing with this ‘newer’ one is it looks and performs exactly like the older one. So again, I see no logical reason whatsoever for Apple to have switched battery types.

Jus at this moment I am using the Mouse which came with my 2014 iMac and I also have the mouse which came with the 2010 iMac, booth are working fine (with Eneloops).

I've read somewhere that the magic mouse doesn't really take long to charge so probably it is not as big a deal as it is made out to be. (Plus also many comments here indicating the same)

Yesterday I had to charge my MM2. No it is not a big issue, eben if I wish that the warning came somewhat earlier. I have not a full day when the warning is first shown. But it looks ugly and, when charging the mouse, there is always the possibility of bending the cable to much and damaging it.

I am still thinking, that this design is unworthy of a company which claims, that design is in their DNA.

At least they should offer a Qi option for charging the mouse.

 

[LeifH]

I love the design of the 2013 Mac Pro. The thermal limitations sucked, but the design I thought was gorgeous. Would love to see it return with Apple Silicon inside.

 

[Reggaenald]

The problem is, of all the solutions; it's the most brain-dead of them all. What reason would you need to have it on the bottom? Why not on the front as there is space for it, or even a MagSafe like contraption to charge it as it doesn't need data anyway.

It's as intelligent as putting the charging port on the iPhone on it's back, so it can't lay flat, or the power button under the computer in a hard-to-reach spot and arguing that you only need to press the button once a month anyway. Bad design is still bad design, irrespective if you need to charge it once a month or once a minute.

Giving it a charging stand is a trillion times sleekerView attachment 1948355

It doesn’t have inductive charging because the Mouse is included as a standard accessory with every iMac, why make it even more expensive then it already is. The location surely is questionable, but it seems it was intentional so it wouldn’t be used during charging so it won’t wear out without being used without a cable. If so, that’s actually the only sensible location.

 

[Reggaenald]

This. Without a TB keyboard for the imac, mini or Pro (or MBP in clamshell), the touchbar became useful only to a subset of users: MBP owners who use only the MBP and nothing but the MBP.

Good to know I’m not the only one who thought about that. Haven’t seen this argument made anywhere by anyone.

 

[WestonHarvey1]

It doesn’t have inductive charging because the Mouse is included as a standard accessory with every iMac, why make it even more expensive then it already is. The location surely is questionable, but it seems it was intentional so it wouldn’t be used during charging so it won’t wear out without being used without a cable. If so, that’s actually the only sensible location.

I think it's more they didn't want to change the design from the original Magic Mouse, which had a battery door on the bottom. The body remains identical, and there just isn't a spot in front for a cable. A small modification to accommodate it would have made the mouse really ugly, in exchange for a minor improvement in convenience - after all, plugging it in for a bathroom or coffee break gives you enough charge to get through the rest of your day.

 

[Reggaenald]

At least they should add USB-C port on the side. Oh sure, even the iMac has to be as thin as possible, so that is not possible...

That is exactly the reason, why I always have a plugged in USB-C cable on my desk, as the back of my iMac is hard to reach. And I hate it...

I would use a USB-C hub, but in every test I read there was none without issues and all decent hubs need an external power supply, which I do not want for various reasons.

In the "old" days the USB plug at the Keyboard was quite useful, but they removed the option for the wired keyboard to.




Jus at this moment I am using the Mouse which came with my 2014 iMac and I also have the mouse which came with the 2010 iMac, booth are working fine (with Eneloops).



Yesterday I had to charge my MM2. No it is not a big issue, eben if I wish that the warning came somewhat earlier. I have not a full day when the warning is first shown. But it looks ugly and, when charging the mouse, there is always the possibility of bending the cable to much and damaging it.

I am still thinking, that this design is unworthy of a company which claims, that design is in their DNA.

At least they should offer a Qi option for charging the mouse.

Maybe with the iMac Pro refresh later this year they also finally refresh the mouse. Your point is very valid, don’t claim to strive for a clean workspace and have dead mice laying on your desks.

 

[Sophisticatednut]

It doesn’t have inductive charging because the Mouse is included as a standard accessory with every iMac, why make it even more expensive then it already is. The location surely is questionable, but it seems it was intentional so it wouldn’t be used during charging so it won’t wear out without being used without a cable. If so, that’s actually the only sensible location.

The problem is it doesn’t make sense why they would care if user use it while changing? Why even change it from AA battery you change once a year to charge for 5min a month?

And putting the port on the underside? The older version at least you could replace the battery and as wireless charging function in its place. Nothing was gained with the new one

 

[InuNacho]

*sigh*

I love my 'trashcan" Mac Pro.

I didn't have any issues with it when I received it, and it worked like a mule without issues until 2019. I ran VMs, I did work, I code on it... I threw everything at it.

2019 I updated to High Sierra and started having glitches. A few updates later, it was mostly resolved. I have bought an iMac Pro in 2020 and have switch the majority of my work over since, but the Trashcan Mac Pro still works. I powered it on a couple times in 2021 just to update it and check on a few things.

I think I'm a "Pro" user, but not in the way that needed a lot of IO expandability. The trashcan Mac Pro was perfect for me. I needed Portability and yet still really powerful. With 8-cores at the time and 64GB RAM, it was easy to move around (when I need to clean it, clean my desk, my office space, etc.).

Not a big fan of the newer Mac Pro... that thing is HEAVY. Would have love Apple to offer both form-factors.

See I'm in the camp that the Pro should have had heavy expansion. My 2010 had every SATA port filled, a Blackmagic card and USB 3 cards.
My current 2018 Mini is an octopus of cables and wallwarts trying to replicate my old space heater Pro. If they had just released a Pro with the 2013 specs in a more standard casing, all would have been forgiven. Heck, have both form factors like you said.