I may switch to Windows if Apple makes macOS more and more annoying for power users

The idea that a desktop operating system like macOS, Windows, or Linux can be the absolute best is a misconception. As much as I love using the best Macs for productive work, I understand two fundamental factors that influence desktop users above all else. It's not about specs, hardware, UI, or even a specific feature. Instead, the operating system you're comfortable with and comfortable with will probably always be preferred, and the type of work you need to do will also play a role. I've been a macOS user my entire life, and I don't think using Windows 11 will ever feel as natural to me as using macOS Sonoma.

When this reality comes up, people often criticize those who are too comfortable with macOS, Linux, or Windows to switch operating systems as being unwilling to learn. I disagree—because when something works, it works. As much as I enjoy using my Lenovo Yoga Book 9i as a mobile workstation, macOS works better for my workflow because I've already mastered it.

It works, and until it does, I have no reason to switch to Windows. But lately, as Apple has tailored macOS more and more to casual users, and as a power user I've started to demand more from my Macs, I've been wondering if our wants and needs are diverging.

Apple has made some frustrating changes to macOS in recent releases, particularly affecting power users, professionals, and enthusiasts. The biggest inconvenience will now come with macOS Sequoia, which is due to launch in about a month or less. For me, this represents a turning point. If Apple continues to make macOS more annoying, I may switch to Windows 11 altogether.

macOS Sequoia changes the way you use your Mac

And it doesn't get any better – using color pickers, screenshot tools and video conferencing becomes even more annoying

I've been experimenting with the macOS Sequoia developer beta for months, and there's a lot I like. Apple finally has a window management tool comparable to Windows'. Apple Intelligence is impressive, even if that's just based on first impressions. And there's a new screen sharing feature that lets you see more clearly what you're sharing with others and apps.

Unfortunately, everything else related to screen sharing is about to get a lot harder. Earlier this month, macOS Sequoia users were presented with a new popup asking them to grant permission for each app that uses screen sharing on a weekly basis. Many initially thought this was a bug, but it later turned out this was the intended behavior. Understandably, there was a public outcry. Can you imagine having to manually grant Google Meet or Zoom permission to share your screen once a week? Microsoft has been criticized for this kind of behavior in the past.

In a subsequent beta, Apple moved the pop-up interval from weekly to monthly. While this is better, it's still pretty annoying and something power users may have to do multiple times a month. You may not realize how many apps are bugging you with these permissions until this feature rolls out. When it does, you may see one of two prompts, assuming it doesn't change before release:

[App] requests to bypass the system's private window selector and access your screen and audio directly. This allows [app name] to record your screen and system audio, including personal or confidential information that may be visible or audible.

[App] can access this computer's screen and audio. Do you want to continue allowing access? This application may collect information from all open applications on your desktop while the app is running.

This change applies to any app that can access the contents of your screen, and that affects a lot of apps. First off, you might be surprised to learn that any app with a color picker that can see your desktop or windows will require a monthly permission to do so in macOS Sequoia. The same goes for screen recording and sharing apps like OBS, Google Meet, Zoom, Teams, and more. Screenshot tools are also subject to monthly permission, so users of CleanShotX and similar apps will have to live with the prompts. Since this requirement is per app, you'll need to do it 12 times per year for each app.

It's shocking that there is no option in macOS Sequoia to permanently allow screen sharing permission for specific apps. If I know the app, trust the app, and need to share my screen regularly, why doesn't Apple let me do that without any hassle?

It is not the first change that affects power users

Even after several years, the System Preferences app is still poorly optimized for macOS

For me, this may be the change that makes me think twice about using macOS full-time. However, it is far from the only recent change that is changing power users' workflows for the worse. On a much smaller scale, I think the addition of the Control Center to the macOS menu bar is a step backwards. The whole purpose of the menu bar is to display information at a glance and to accommodate quick switches and modules.

By putting some of these options behind the Control Center, Apple adds just a few clicks to the process. Fortunately, those in the know can change that and move modules directly to the menu bar. But it's still a UI change that makes macOS more similar to iOS and unnecessarily dilutes the Mac's identity.

The worst offense is clearly the revision of the system settings a few years ago, which System settings. This is the new macOS Settings app and it has the same drawbacks as the Control Center. It mimics iOS and iPadOS in a way that simply detracts from the macOS user experience. In the sidebar, the Show Page is the 15th option from the top, and the Keyboard Page is the 27th option from the top. They are moved further down so that pages like Notifications, Screen timeAnd focus are higher.

This is fine for iOS and iPadOS, but doesn't really make sense for the Mac. Changing keyboard, mouse, and display settings is a common requirement for power users, and is more difficult in newer versions of macOS.

How Apple can fix macOS for power users

Selection! This is all you need to satisfy advanced macOS experts

There is a simple solution to the permissions problem in macOS Sequoia. All Apple needs to do is give power users a way to permanently disable them, even if that's difficult. This could be something Apple adds before macOS Sequoia launches, as there is already a Persistent Content Capture value on the Apple Developer website. I would be extremely disappointed if the company didn't give power users a choice beyond the monthly permissions dialogs.

In general, I feel like iOS and iPadOS have more choices for users – especially in the EU – while macOS users lose them. This is unacceptable to me, and if these changes affect my workflow, I seriously question whether macOS is worth putting up with. If they keep this up, I may be forced to take another look at Windows, even though I've been a macOS fan for a long time.