Ready for macOS 26 Tahoe and macOS 27
Your app grid, your folders, your layout — the visual launcher macOS 26 removed.
“Launchie is the best Launchpad alternative for macOS Tahoe. It works well, offers handy customization options, and it’s the closest you can get to an actual Launchpad on a Mac running macOS 26.”
From the Mac App Store
The grid
A full-screen grid you arrange yourself, with drag-and-drop ordering that sticks. Launchie is the macOS 26 Tahoe Launchpad replacement for people who browse by eye instead of typing a name.
Spaces
Spaces are separate sections, each holding its own apps and folders, so a big library stops being one long wall of icons. The old Launchpad never had this.
Folders and search
Make as many folders as you like, drop apps into them, and find anything instantly with search. Hide the apps you never open, and back the whole layout up so a new Mac starts where the last one left off.
Import your layout from the original Launchpad, LaunchNext or LaunchOS for free. Open the Getting Started guide or Settings → Backup in Launchie.
Everything you loved about the classic Launchpad, plus modern enhancements
Open Launchie with ⌥ + Space or your own custom shortcut
Find and launch any app in seconds
Reorder apps exactly how you like
Group apps to keep your workspace tidy
Save your Launchie setup and easily restore it anytime
Press Esc to instantly return to what you were doing or click outside
Open Launchie via Hot Corner functionality
Keep your launcher clean by hiding apps you don't need
Shows recently used, most used or newest apps on top in a quick access section
Lots of customization features. Adjust Launchie to your needs
Choose between modern Liquid Glass UI or traditional sheet look
The original Launchpad alongside four replacements. Choose what fits your Mac and your workflow.
Swipe or scroll to compare all five launchers.
| Compare launchers, old and new | Launchie | LaunchOS | AppGrid | LaunchNext | Original Launchpad (macOS 15 and earlier) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Layout | Scrolling grid or list, with pages called Spaces | Pages; scrolling in Pro | Pages | Pages | Pages |
| Folders | Unlimited, free | Yes | Free | Free | Yes |
| Separate workspaces | Yes, Spaces | Not advertised | Not advertised | Not advertised | No |
| Recent and frequent apps | Recent, frequent and new apps | Not advertised | Not advertised | Not advertised | No |
| Import old Launchpad layout | Free | Yes | Free | Free | Already your layout |
| Available from | App Store, direct, Homebrew | Direct download | App Store and direct | Direct and Homebrew | Built into macOS |
| Free and Pro | Free; optional Pro | Free; 7-day Pro trial | Free; optional Pro | Free, open source | Included with macOS |
| macOS support | macOS 26+ | macOS 26+ | macOS 14.6+ | macOS 26+ | macOS 10.7–15 |
The original Launchpad was included through macOS 15. macOS 26 replaced it with the Apps view.
Competitor details checked Oct 1, 2026. Some features need Pro or the direct version; see the full comparison for prices and plan details. LaunchOS· AppGrid· LaunchNext· Apple
A quick tour of Launchie 1.6.1 on macOS 27 and macOS 26
Launchie Demo Video
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macOS 26 Tahoe Launchpad replacement with folders and drag & drop
Intuitive drag & drop functionality that makes organizing your apps effortless
Launchpad Guides
Start with the exact problem you searched for: missing Launchpad, macOS Tahoe changes, macOS 26 replacement options, or visual launcher alternatives.
What changed in macOS Tahoe and how to restore a familiar visual app launcher workflow.
Compare visual launchers and keyboard tools to choose the right Launchpad alternative.
Bring visual app browsing, folders, and custom organization to macOS 27.
A faithful Launchpad replica against a launcher reworked for macOS 26.
Pages and Launchpad import against a scrolling grid, Spaces and quick access.
Keyboard productivity and visual app launching solve different Mac workflow problems.
Why visual browsing, folders, and spatial memory still matter for many Mac users.
Blog
Catch up on macOS 27 Golden Gate coverage, Launchpad replacement guides, comparison posts, and recent Launchie updates before you download.
October 1, 2026
Launchie imports your LaunchNext folders and app order, or a LaunchNext backup file, in a few clicks. Here's how to switch without rebuilding your grid.
October 1, 2026
Launchie imports your LaunchOS folders and app order in a few clicks, so switching doesn't mean rebuilding your grid. Here's how it works.
October 1, 2026
Your Launchpad folders and app order usually survive the upgrade to macOS 26 Tahoe and macOS 27. Here's how to bring them back into a Launchpad-style grid in a few clicks.
September 19, 2026
Launchpad was the Mac's full-screen grid of app icons, from OS X Lion to macOS Sequoia. What it did, how it worked, what replaced it in macOS 26 and 27, and how to get it back.
September 14, 2026
Can't find Launchpad on your Mac? Apple replaced it with Apps in macOS 26 Tahoe, and macOS 27 keeps it that way. Here's where it went and how to get it back.
Download Launchie now and experience the app launcher macOS 26 should have included.
or install with Homebrew
Launchie
brew install --cask launchieRequires macOS 26 Tahoe · All installation options
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