For macOS 13, Ventura... Go to the Apple menu, then System Settings. Click "Desktop & Dock". Turn off the option "Show recent applications in Dock".
For systems before macOS 13, Ventura... Go to the Apple menu and choose "System Preferences". Choose the "Dock" preference panel. Uncheck the box next to "Show recent applications in Dock".
I usually write a blog post about once a week. The latest post can be viewed here: Think for Yourself: In the end, everything is just an opinion. Be skeptical, and think for yourself! (posted 2026-04-25 at 21:12:02). I do podcasts too! You can listen to my latest podcast, here: OJB's Podcast 2026-04-14 How Far is that Star?: How would we really know how big the universe is?