macOS 26.3's Column View Fix Creates New UI Problems

Apple's latest macOS 26.3 update attempts to address a long-standing issue with Finder's column view, but the solution has introduced new visual inconsistencies that highlight ongoing concerns about Apple's software quality control.

The problem originated in macOS 26.2, where the system setting to always show scroll bars created a frustrating user experience. When enabled, the horizontal scrollbar would cover the resizing widgets in the vertical scrollers, making it impossible to resize columns in column view. This design flaw prevented users from adjusting column widths, a fundamental feature of the Finder's column view interface.

In macOS 26.3, Apple implemented what appears to be a straightforward fix: they shortened the vertical scrollers so the resizing widgets would sit above the horizontal scrollbar. At first glance, this seems like a reasonable solution. Users can now access the resize controls, and the horizontal scrollbar no longer interferes with column resizing functionality.

However, this "fix" reveals deeper issues with Apple's testing process. When users hide the path bar at the bottom of the Finder window (along with the status bar), a new problem emerges. Without the path bar, the columns become taller, but the vertical scrollers remain the same shortened height as before. This creates an awkward visual gap between the bottom of the scrollers and the bottom of the columns, leaving a large amount of unused space that looks unprofessional and unpolished.

The situation raises questions about Apple's internal testing procedures. Did no one at Apple test the column view configuration with the path bar hidden? Or, more concerning, did they test it and simply decide that this visual inconsistency was acceptable? Either scenario suggests a troubling decline in Apple's attention to detail in its user interface design.

This isn't an isolated incident. It follows a pattern of seemingly minor but noticeable UI regressions in recent macOS releases. Users have grown accustomed to Apple's meticulous attention to detail, making these oversights particularly jarring. The column view issue, while perhaps not critical to core functionality, represents a symbolic failure in maintaining the polish that Apple products are known for.

For developers and power users who rely heavily on Finder's column view for file management, these inconsistencies can be particularly frustrating. The column view is designed for efficient navigation and organization, and visual glitches like these disrupt the clean, streamlined experience that users expect from macOS.

The broader implication is that Apple may be prioritizing rapid release cycles over thorough quality assurance. In an era where software updates are frequent and expected, maintaining the high standards of fit and finish that defined Apple's user experience becomes increasingly challenging. Yet it's precisely this attention to detail that has historically set Apple apart from its competitors.

Until Apple addresses these visual inconsistencies, users are left with a choice: accept the awkward gaps in their column view interface or keep the path bar visible, which may not be ideal for those who prefer a cleaner, more minimal Finder window. Neither option represents the kind of thoughtful user experience that Apple has built its reputation on.

As macOS continues to evolve, users hope that Apple will refocus on the small details that make a big difference in daily usability. The column view scrollbar issue in macOS 26.3 serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor UI elements require careful consideration and comprehensive testing across all possible configurations.