This is tab behavior across all Operas. On Mac, it's on the left to mimic Safari and make a more natural experience for Mac users.

This is a general rule and won't be changed any time soon.

^ This feedback is very similar to mine.

I would like to suggest that you make the compact tab sizing larger because I am constantly accidentally clicking 'x' when I am just trying to open a tab. I didn't even think about the fact that the 'x' is on the left like this poster did, so that might also solve the issue.

Can't promise it will change soon, but we will take a look at it again.

Thanks for the details.

Thanks for the explanation. It’s true that Mac users are used to closing apps and folders from the left, but that works because app-level window controls are different, they’re larger, used less frequently, and placed in a spacious area.

Browser tabs are a different story. When you have lots of tabs open, space gets tight. Moving the close (X) icon to the left breaks the muscle memory many users have built up(I've seen many users complaining about the same thing). It makes something that should be quick and easy feel slower and more frustrating.

Current design assumes Mac users close things on the left, that is why it's there. Windows on the right.
I can't promise we will change it, but it's worth some analysis in the future.

Thanks for feedback!