There used to be an option called browser.privateWindowSeparation.enabled, which ever since Firefox 106 back in October 2022 resulted in separate taskbar icons for normal and private Firefox windows. In version 127, this option has gone away, removed in this code change. Users complained on Mozilla’s forums and on Reddit at the time, but it was at least possible to recombine the icons with the option in about:config – but no longer.
As you might imagine, people are not happy, although according to the official response in this complaint, it looks like the change will be reverted in Firefox 128…
The only reason people use Firefox is because of an icon in privacy mode? What?
Sorry - my bad. Turns out it’s just 1 guy on the forums and theregister that cares.
What browser did your hypothetical dad and nephew switch to?
Edge! It’s Firefox but with ai
Ah ok, I didn’t realize you were making a joke.