Can I use Launchpad in macOS 26 Tahoe on my MacBook Pro M1?

I knew LaunchPad was gone in Tahoe. I tried to adapt to the new workflow Tahoe proposed, but it felt clunky compared to LaunchPad's intuitive use.

I rolled back from macOS 26 Tahoe to macOS 15 Sequoia.

There are two reasons: first, the absence of LaunchPad. I knew LaunchPad was gone before upgrading to Tahoe, but I still tried to adapt to the new way. However, the un-Apple-like quality and unintuitive use made me feel suffocated.

Second, the GUI frame drops. macOS 26, which adopted Metal4, should have better graphics frame quality... I don't know what the actual results will be in games, but at least on macOS 26 Tahoe, the GUI frame drops make the overall user experience unpleasant.

To draw an analogy, it feels like driving at high speed on a well-paved asphalt road, only to suddenly hit a gravel path and slow down.

I looked into a few things, but GUI frame drops are fundamentally an issue requiring Apple to improve software optimization and quality. I'll skip over that for now.

I searched for LaunchPad alternatives and found one that seems quite good. In some ways, it might even be better than Apple's original LaunchPad.

https://github.com/ggkevinnnn/LaunchNow?tab=readme-ov-file

I hope this helps those inconvenienced by LaunchPad's disappearance.

Workaround option:

I agree the removal of launchpad is a terrible idea. It makes my MacBook feel like a Windows computer now when I try and find an app. I have written to Apple feedback to request launchpad be brought back as a user selectable option, which would be great. When using the Tahoe equivalent function, the Apple 'suggested apps' have yet to show what I actually intend to use, and the categories are mostly wrong with no option to modify them by the user. I don't want to pin every single app I use to the taskbar as there are too many for the space.

I have set up a workaround which is possibly nicer to use than other options suggested and costs nothing:

1) I went into the Apps folder and made an alias of every app that I wanted to have quick access to (that wasn't already in my taskbar). This basically included what was on the first page of my old launchpad.

2) I then made them appear in order by renaming each app with a number at the start of the name, eg: '1' and a space before the name of the app, then increase the number for each app (you don't need leading '0's to accommodate numbers >9)

3) set the folder to show icons in order of name (rather than size/date etc)

4) pin the app folder to the taskbar - the first app in the folder will display as the folder icon (see attached image)

Once you have done these steps: when you click the apps folder on the taskbar all of your preferred apps appear in your preferred order.

You can add another step:

5) add a category to each alias ('productivity' and 'utilities' etc) to subdivide the aliases - this only affects how the apps are arranged if you open the folder directly - it doesn't work on the pinned taskbar folder display option.

You can see I have tried the 'Appgrid' app - it seems usable, but needs an awkward 3 key sequence to open it instead of the pinch gesture. The subscription cost is not ideal either as we previously had better functionality from apple at no cost with the original launchpad. I doubt I will subscribe.

[Edited by Moderator]

NilSleep wrote:

This no longer works. I really wish there was a way to bring back the on launchpad. My workflow was already setup fo it and it's really inconvenient for me to search for apps specially if don't know the name of them.

Thanks for you feedback. These are the reports I am getting as well the RC macOS 26 made the work-a-round ineffective.

As of right now I see no alternative to the functionality of the old LaunchPad. Not to say a work-a-round may emerge as time with the new OS has a chance to be explored.

There is still the "Applications" folder in your Home folder/Finder Sidebar to surmount your issue.

The Apps is the new way presented in the upgrade.

To be proactive you can submit your Apple Feedback here: Product Feedback - Apple

I have just released my LaunchPad alternative which can be downloaded from GitHub

Use the toolbar to the left to create your categories. You can then select the required category and drag / drop the application using Finder to the Panel.

At the moment there is only one issue which is where you are using a IOS app on a Apple Silicon I have problems importing the correct icon. However you can right click on an app and select an Icon of your choice.

Apps can be imported using a button to select the Applications folder and that will put them all in the current panel. You can then drag them to the "tab" / Category that you want them to be in. All the options are stored in a xml file in the program folder.

Updates will come quickly, so check back on the github release page.

The application is digitally signed, all you need to do is select the Intel or Apple Silicon version.

[Edited by Moderator]

shiva53 wrote:

I am very upset about Launchpad. It took me years to get it the way I wanted it with the groupings that I wanted. And I mimicked my organization on my iPad.

For now, I am creating a simple Launchpad like method. I’m dragging the apps that I mostly use and putting the shortcuts into a desktop folder called My Apps. I am also creating subfolders, such as finance, to keep them organized. It’s not the same, but it might have to suffice.

Good idea to use aliases. Applications should stay in the Applications folder. You can also put that "My Apps" folder in the dock for easy access.

There is also an app in the App Store called AppPad Launcher that purports to replace LaunchPad. I haven't tried it as I never used Launch Pad.

This no longer works. I really wish there was a way to bring back the on launchpad. My workflow was already set up for the launchpad, and it’s quite inconvenient for me to search for apps, especially if I don’t know their names. This is particularly problematic for recently installed apps or apps I don’t use it frequently.

I am very upset about Launchpad. It took me years to get it the way I wanted it with the groupings that I wanted. And I mimicked my organization on my iPad.

For now, I am creating a simple Launchpad like method. I’m dragging the apps that I mostly use and putting the shortcuts into a desktop folder called My Apps. I am also creating subfolders, such as finance, to keep them organized. It’s not the same, but it might have to suffice.

DaveGarratt wrote:

Many people, myself included simply find that a clunky and slow way to work. Trying to remember the name of that network utility or whatever just seems like a step back. If we go any further people will advocate a linux command prompt. This is how I have arranged my LaunchPad. The categories which the new Tahoe Apps program provides are simply inadequate and you can't add to them.

LaunchPad never was your only option. You've always had the ability to put apps into folders of your own choosing. Take a look at dialabrain's screenshot here:

Apps menu changed on the Dock with macOS … - Apple Community

There are also third party options such as AppLauncher in the App Store or Launchie:

https://www.launchie.app/

Regardless of what you decide to do, you should let Apple know what you think of this change:

Product Feedback - Apple

Or just use the keyboard. Command-space, type two letters, press enter. No move, no click

tgt28 wrote:

I used to have folders to categorize my applications in Launchpad. Last night I upgrade my M1 MacBook Pro 16 to macOS 26 Tahoe. Launchpad isn't there. Can I get Launchpad back?

See if this works for you—

https://www.macworld.com/article/2846899/this-terminal-trick-brings-back-launchpad-on-macos-26.html

DaveGarratt wrote:

The Apps program does not always show all the installed apps. For example I have Docker and UTM on my mac and these apps don't appear on any of the Apps tabs. Great !!!!

Bring back LaunchPad apple - not everyone used it but those who did found it vital.

submit your Apple Feedback here: Product Feedback - Apple

Bring back LaunchPad apple - not everyone used it but those who did found it vital.

Sorry, but that is totally lost here. Apple does not participate in these user-to-user forums. If you want an Apple employee to see your concern—which I share—you must use this feedback link:

Feedback - macOS - Apple

That methods has proven to effect change in other OS releases

tgt28 wrote:

I used to have folders to categorize my applications in Launchpad. Last night I upgrade my M1 MacBook Pro 16 to macOS 26 Tahoe. Launchpad isn't there. Can I get Launchpad back?

Someone in another thread mentioned an app called AppGrid which the felt was a reasonable replacement. I have not tried it so I don't know anything more about it.

FiliusDei777 wrote:

bro, are you serious?, no one is arguing that, by your perspective, software can't change, and people can't complain, that is beyond this topic, anyways, for anyone else, hope apple give us the option.

No, Owl-53 is saying software DOES change and, that while people can complain about it, doing so here in this thread will accomplish little but catharsis.

Tell Apple what you want to see here:

Product Feedback - Apple

Apple Menu > System Settings > Hot Corner Shortcuts and set the upper right corner to Apps.

MtD