Unraveling the Irony: Microsoft’s New Appeal to Creators Amidst a Mac-centric Design Revelation
Microsoft is making waves in the creative community by encouraging content creators to trade in their MacBook Pros for the newly launched $2,600 Surface Laptop Ultra. However, a recent revelation has added a layer of irony: the stunning wallpapers they released for Windows Insiders appear to have been crafted on none other than a Mac using Photoshop.
It’s not uncommon for image files to carry a subtle signature in their properties, revealing the software that last modified them. When a Windows developer took a closer look at the newly released wallpapers, the tag indicated they were saved with a version of Photoshop on a Mac. In response, Microsoft quickly replaced the files with cleaned-up versions to avoid any awkwardness.
The wallpapers were distributed via email in mid-October to celebrate twelve years of the Windows Insider Program. The announcement highlighted how these designs reflect both the program’s legacy and the fresh aesthetic of the latest Surface devices. With ten impeccable designs featuring flowing ribbons in five vibrant colors—each available in both light and dark modes—Microsoft aimed to dazzle fans of the program.
Enter Rafael Rivera, an astute developer who immediately scrutinized the image files upon receiving the email. His investigation revealed that one of the design files had been saved using Photoshop on a Mac, prompting him to share a screenshot captioned, “Created on a Mac” on X.
Rivera later clarified that this set had originated from Microsoft’s in-house design team, suggesting that these Macs are likely being used right within the company’s walls.
It’s worth noting that Macs have long been favorites among design professionals, making it less surprising that Microsoft’s own team would utilize them for creative work. The humorous twist? This revelation came to light just a day before the much-anticipated launch of the Surface Laptop Ultra, which Microsoft is marketing as a quintessential alternative for creators looking to switch from the MacBook Pro.
In an enticing offer, Microsoft’s online stores in the U.S. and Canada are even encouraging MacBook Pro users to trade their devices in, offering up to $1,000 on top of the trade-in value to make the switch.
While the company has yet to publicly address the situation, it appears they are aware of the attention it has garnered. Within days following its discovery, files on their design site were quietly replaced. French media platform MacGeneration even managed to trace the original files via the Internet Archive, finding that the earlier versions still credited Photoshop for Mac when opened in the built-in Preview app.
This tag merely identifies the last program used to save the file, leaving ambiguous the true origin of the creative processes that birthed the designs. In a previous anniversary release, an unrelated __MACOSX folder emerged when unzipped on Windows, hinting that the ZIP was packed on a Mac—a detail that, in conjunction with the current tag, strongly suggests that Macs are an integral part of the design workflow at Microsoft.
For those just interested in snagging the enticing ribbon wallpapers, the complete set is available for a free download on Microsoft Design’s dedicated wallpaper page.