There seems to be some kind of a negative space exponential law. Margins and paddings increase with every release because designers can’t resist minimalism over density and usefulness.
I'm not sure which specific elements you're referring to, but it very well could be in your head. I remember everyone complaining about the wasted space in the latest Safari tab redesign, until a designer showed that there is actually less wasted space in the new design than there was before. It just didn't look it.
Not saying it's like this in every case. Just something to consider.
