Apple has quietly addressed a longstanding inconsistency in its Mac keyboards, updating the Mute key icon to align with the onscreen mute indicator. The change, initially observed on the newly released M4 MacBook Air and the updated Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, replaces the previously used plain speaker outline with a speaker icon featuring a diagonal line through it. This update brings visual consistency to the mute function, resolving a discrepancy that has persisted for decades.The previous Mute key icon, a simple speaker outline, provided no clear visual indication of the mute state. This led to confusion among users, as the onscreen indicator for muted volume displayed a speaker with a diagonal line. The new icon, now matching the onscreen display, provides a clear and intuitive representation of the mute function.This change is not limited to the MacBook Air. Apple is also implementing the updated icon on the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, suggesting a broader rollout across future Mac and iPad keyboards. This update also provides an easy visual identifier for the newest MacBook Air models.While some users may find this change minor, it reflects Apple's attention to detail and commitment to user experience. The Mute key, a feature introduced in 1999 with the PowerBook G3, has finally received a visual update that aligns with modern user interface standards.The update has garnered attention from Apple blogs, with some highlighting the decades-long wait for this seemingly small but significant change. While some have humorously exaggerated the user frustration over the icon, the update is a welcome improvement for detail-oriented Mac users.
