Sunday, June 01, 2025

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Apple.com Uses SVG Images for Navigation Text, Confusing Users

Apple's navigation uses SVG images instead of visible text labels.

From Hacker News Original Article Hacker News Discussion

Apple’s website uses SVG images instead of text for navigation links, making font replacement impossible in that area and revealing an unusual web design choice.

Why it matters: Using SVGs for text breaks standard font replacement tools and complicates accessibility and customization.

The other side: The hidden text spans likely exist for screen readers, maintaining some level of accessibility despite the SVG usage.

The big picture: This highlights a trend where web design prioritizes visual fidelity over standard text handling and user customization.

Commenters say: Many find the design choice puzzling and frustrating for developers, while others speculate it’s a trade-off for branding and accessibility.