macOS window corner and toolbar customization

Question

Level 1

30 points

macOS window corner and toolbar customization

Before installing Tahoe I have some questions:

Is there any method to switch off these rounded window corners and make them similar to macOS Sequoia or Sonoma? These rounded corners look awkward and I read certain articles where was written macOS has introduced the same resizing problem Windows has introduced since version 11. Would like to avoid both, rounded corners and the need to click into 'nowhere' to resize. Better would be the resizing could be done via keyboard ;-)

Is there any method to make toolbars appear as former macOS toolbars? I don't need floating toolbars and therefore prefer a constant UI experience on macOS.

Unlike to the updates in the last 2 decades, which were installed right after release, I need to wait until things get better. So I am happy I did not yet update my 5 macs and 3 iphones. Hope for advice or the release of the next main version of macOS, in the hope this will fix many things.

iMac (M1, 2021)

Posted on Feb 3, 2026 7:56 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 3, 2026 8:10 AM in response to OliKei

The rounded corners and basic toolbar appearance cannot be altered, except by Apple. To have Apple consider your feedback, submit it here:

Feedback - macOS - Apple

I would not hold out much hope for significant changes to the Tahoe UI.

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Answer 2

Owl-53

Level 10

104,593 points

Feb 5, 2026 12:53 AM in response to OliKei

The very rounded-corner aesthetic Apple introduced in macOS Tahoe (macOS 26) does also show up in iOS 26, because both are part of Apple’s new “Liquid Glass” design language that spans iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other platforms.

Apple introduces a delightful and elegant new software design

So, not only would Apple need to re-write macOS 26

They would also have to re-write iOS 26

That makes this even less likely

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Answer 3

OliKei Author

Level 1

30 points

Feb 5, 2026 1:11 AM in response to Owl-53

When looking at this topic from a "designer's perspective" I disagree to the opinion that iOS and macOS need a "consistent design" of the window corners. These devices are different, and have been different on purpose, which I learned by reading Steve Jobs comments on design in the 1990s to 2011.

Additionally I do not see a reason to introduce Microsoft Windows Vista bugs into macOS, which is what Apple did with resizing windows outside the visual presentation of a window border. This is simply unacceptable for mouse users.

Just my cent: I would be happy Apple's designers would still follow the design direction Steve had given. Skeumorphism was giving great guidance for good designs. I hoped Liquid Glass would reintroduce Skeumorphism, but it looks like this is not the case. I am unhappy with current designs.

So I will stick to my old macOS. Long lives Sonoma/Sequoia. With security updates.

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Answer 4

Owl-53

Level 10

104,593 points

Feb 5, 2026 1:35 AM in response to OliKei

OliKei wrote:

When looking at this topic from a "designer's perspective" I disagree to the opinion that iOS and macOS need a "consistent design" of the window corners. These devices are different, and have been different on purpose, which I learned by reading Steve Jobs comments on design in the 1990s to 2011.

Additionally I do not see a reason to introduce Microsoft Windows Vista bugs into macOS, which is what Apple did with resizing windows outside the visual presentation of a window border. This is simply unacceptable for mouse users.

Just my cent: I would be happy Apple's designers would still follow the design direction Steve had given. Skeumorphism was giving great guidance for good designs. I hoped Liquid Glass would reintroduce Skeumorphism, but it looks like this is not the case. I am unhappy with current designs.