Why Resizing Windows on macOS Can Be a Frustrating Experience
Have you ever found yourself struggling to resize a window on your Mac, only to realize that your attempts are failing? It's a common issue that has left many users perplexed, especially those who have been using computers for decades. This phenomenon can be traced back to a change introduced in macOS Tahoe, which has caused a shift in how windows respond to resize attempts.
The Corner Conundrum
Norbert Heger, in his insightful post, "The Struggle of Resizing Windows on macOS Tahoe" (https://noheger.at/blog/2026/01/11/the-struggle-of-resizing-windows-on-macos-tahoe/), explains the issue. The problem lies in the way macOS handles window corners. When you click on a window corner, it expects you to interact within a specific 19x19-pixel area near the corner. However, due to the large corner radius in macOS Tahoe, a significant portion of this area now falls outside the window, making it difficult to resize.
A Missing Visual Affordance
Heger highlights a crucial point: Apple's decision to remove the visual affordance in the lower-right corner of windows, which indicated the resize area, has contributed to this problem. This change, introduced in Mac OS X 10.7 Lion in 2011, aimed to simplify the user experience by allowing window resizing from any corner or edge. However, it also removed a clear indication of the resize functionality.
The Scrollbar Mystery
Additionally, the invisible scrollbars, another Apple design choice, have added to the confusion. The scrollbars, once visible, provided a clear indication of the resize area. Their disappearance in 2011 further complicated the matter, as the space they occupied was repurposed for other UI elements.
A Matter of Design Philosophy
Heger argues that Apple's design philosophy behind these changes may have been flawed. While users could resize windows from any corner or edge, the removal of the visible resize affordance and the invisible scrollbars created a disconnect between the user's expectations and the actual behavior of the interface.
A Solution to the Frustration
Despite the challenges, there's a solution. Heger advises against upgrading to macOS 26 Tahoe, and if you've already upgraded, he suggests downgrading. By reverting to a previous version of macOS, users can avoid the frustration of interacting with a window resize mechanism that is 75% outside the window's bounds.
In conclusion, while Apple's design choices may have been well-intentioned, they have inadvertently created a user experience that can be confusing and frustrating. It serves as a reminder that even small design decisions can have a significant impact on the overall usability of a system.
