Level 1

28 points

macOS Tahoe removed Launchpad folders — how to organize apps now?

In macOS Tahoe (v26.0, build 25A354), the old Launchpad folders are gone. I used to organize my apps into custom folders like "Converters", "Graphics", etc., which matched my workflow and daily logic. Now the system forces a default Apps layout without the ability to create folders.

Who benefits from this change? What is actually better about it? Users who want a flat layout could have left folders empty. This change removes flexibility and breaks personal organization.

Please, can someone explain if there’s a workaround, or if Apple plans to restore custom Launchpad folders in future updates?

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 26.0

Posted on Sep 17, 2025 10:14 AM

Top-ranking reply

léonie

Level 10

205,147 points

Posted on Oct 25, 2025 5:09 AM

"I used to organize my apps into custom folders like "Converters", "Graphics", etc., which matched my workflow and daily logic. "

Instead of a third-party app I replaced the Launchpad by a folder on my Desktop named Launchpad and dragged it to the Dock. Inside this new Launchpad folder I creaeated subfolders named Graphics, Audio, Photos, etc. and dragged the apps from folder Applications to the corresponding folders in my Custom Launchpad to create aliases in this folder.

Clicking the Launchpad folder in the Dock will give me quick access to related apps that I am rarely using and thus can't remember the name. For the apps that I am using frequently it will be quicker to open them with Spotlight.

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48 replies

dchapma1

Level 1

20 points

Dec 17, 2025 2:17 PM in response to VH22

Agree 100%! Come On Apple - Let US organize the Apps in Spotlight - the defaults in Tahoe make NO SENSE at all. You severly broke this functioanlity in this release.

Either bring back the old app launcher or allow us to define the Tab names and the apps in each tab - that would make so much more sense.

Barney-15E

Level 10

125,664 points

Apr 18, 2026 4:42 PM in response to maantha

maantha wrote:

"why do you even use Launchpad?" is a pointless comment to add here.

It is the most accurate comment as there is no Launchpad so you need to find another way to do whatever it was you did with Launchpad. Find a new way. Complaining to us users won't change anything.

leroydouglas

Level 10

207,826 points

Sep 17, 2025 10:46 AM in response to VH22

>App Store>

Sep 24, 2025 5:22 AM in response to account12

From what I've read, this worked in the Beta version of Tahoe, but no longer works in the final release.

AlWeir

Level 5

5,708 points

Oct 14, 2025 1:21 PM in response to VH22

There is another alternative Launchpad app for Tahoe.

tcabn

Level 1

26 points

Oct 14, 2025 2:00 PM in response to leroydouglas

Very happy with this app! Tried a couple others but this one is most like launchpad with some additional customization options.

Oct 14, 2025 8:06 PM in response to AlWeir

Are you sure it is safe?

I got this error when I run it.

Even if it is false positive, I am not sure I am ready to take the risk.

I am glad I could try before I buy.

tcabn

Level 1

26 points

Oct 25, 2025 2:47 AM in response to Tim Lovern

Devs should allow users to customize those groupings. They’d have the option to let their AI learn from user choices, but either way, it puts some customization back in the customers’ hands.

zzDanzz

Level 1

14 points

Nov 9, 2025 8:43 AM in response to Zech 4:6

Agreed, this is the first update in 20 years that has me seriously considering switching back to PC. I can't interface efficiently with my computer anymore

Nov 25, 2025 6:01 AM in response to zzDanzz

The 'Other' tab is a full mess. Why have they done this?!

Nov 25, 2025 8:44 AM in response to neuroanatomist

LOL, I don't go by any news these days. There are a lot of financial wizards that live among us... I strictly go by your performance... and if it doesn't add up.. something ELSE is wrong...

Nov 26, 2025 2:45 AM in response to neuroanatomist

I have a 4,000 dollar machine that doesn't allow organization of apps???

[Edited by Moderator]

sjshawl

Level 1

24 points

Jan 9, 2026 3:50 PM in response to account12

This is not work for me with Tahoe 26.2. Not only that, that COMMAND SPACEBAR no longer brought up Spotlight. The command for reverting, however, fortunately DID work!

Feb 1, 2026 9:38 AM in response to BobHarris

Done. Seems odd that they would just remove a useful feature, and not have a method for you to revert.

maantha

Level 1

14 points

Mar 14, 2026 6:44 AM in response to Yer_Man

"why do you even use Launchpad?" is a pointless comment to add here.

macOS Tahoe removed Launchpad folders — how to organize apps now?