Chapter 1: The Shift in macOS

macOS is fundamentally a desktop operating system, and it should remain so. However, Apple's recent updates have made it resemble a simplified version of iOS. After using macOS Ventura for a considerable time, I find myself regretting the upgrade for the first time. While your experience may differ, my journey with Ventura has been filled with moments of frustration, questioning, “Why did they choose to do that?”

For instance, the once seamless Plug-and-Play functionality has been replaced with a cumbersome permission request every time a USB device is connected, even for basic peripherals like mice and keyboards. This unnecessary change raises the question: why disrupt a system that already functions effectively?

Apple appears to have taken a page from Microsoft's playbook by releasing a macOS version that feels incomplete. Apple might argue that these changes enhance security, but the reality feels more like an inconvenience. Imagine trying to get a taxi in New York, only to be questioned by an officer about your choice of vehicle. Does that truly enhance safety?

Section 1.1: Disrupted Workflows

After upgrading to Ventura, I encountered issues with applications I relied on, such as Espanso, a text expander. Previously, I could control it easily through Raycast using simple commands. However, after the upgrade, the experience deteriorated, making me regret leaving macOS Monterey behind.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Mobile-Desktop Divide

Years back, when Microsoft merged Windows and Windows Phone, it seemed promising. However, that strategy proved to be a costly mistake, as mobile and desktop environments are inherently different. Apple wisely avoided this path, distinguishing their operating systems like iPadOS, WatchOS, and tvOS. Yet now, we’re witnessing a troubling convergence.

The interface of macOS Ventura shows striking similarities to iPadOS, which raises concerns about the blending of these environments.

Chapter 2: Unwanted Features

With Ventura, Apple introduced features that feel more like missteps, such as the Stage Manager, which has left many users confused. Most people I know have disabled it, yet Apple continues to push it as a new addition, ignoring the fundamental issues that need addressing in window management.

Apple's approach seems to suggest they are paving the way for touchscreen Macs, merging the iPad and Mac experiences into one device. This shift is reminiscent of what other manufacturers, like Microsoft with the Surface, have attempted in the past.

Conclusion: A Call for Clarity

It’s crucial for Apple to recognize that professional users choose Macs for productivity, not gaming. The push to integrate iOS features into macOS undermines its capabilities. Apple should refocus on enhancing macOS without unnecessary changes. Users desire a powerful desktop OS, not a simplified version that feels like a toy.

Here’s a look at some of the common issues users face with macOS Ventura, along with potential solutions.

Explore the new features introduced in macOS Sonoma and how they differ from Ventura.