Reddit has made a somewhat puzzling move by revamping its iOS app icon into a pixelated design, prompting frustration among users, especially since getting the original design back comes with a price.
In a recent refresh of Reddit’s app for iOS, users were surprised to find the familiar OrangeRed symbol transformed into a retro-style, pixelated version of the Reddit mascot’s face. The sleek, high-resolution appearance of the previous icon has given way to a more rudimentary, grid-like graphic that hasn’t been universally welcomed.
Those yearning for the classic icon haven’t been left entirely without hope; however, the option to revert is tucked away behind a subscription barrier. Access to the original icon now requires a Reddit Premium membership, which sets users back by $5.99 per month or a slightly higher $6.99 when subscribing through the iOS App Store.
The rationale behind Reddit’s icon overhaul remains a mystery, but it didn’t take long for the platform’s community to voice their disapproval across the web, expressing dismay at what many are calling an aesthetic step backward. The notion of having to pay for what was once standard has only added to the displeasure felt by many in the Reddit community.
It’s certainly not the first time Reddit has found itself amidst disputes in recent times. Switching the app icon to a design reminiscent of early video games might appear minor in comparison to more serious upheavals, like Reddit’s move to monetize access to its API, impacting third-party developers. Nonetheless, the decision to alter an iconic part of the user experience without apparent cause is unlikely to endear users to the platform. As the year progresses, Reddit appears to be vying for the spotlight in the social media drama scene, potentially rivaling the controversies that have swirled around Twitter.
