The Death of Launchpad in macOS 26 Tahoe

When Apple released macOS 26 Tahoe, longtime Mac users were shocked to discover that the beloved Launchpad had been completely replaced with a new feature called Apps. This change left many users frustrated, as the new Apps feature offers significantly limited customization options compared to its predecessor.

If you’re one of the many users missing the original Launchpad functionality, you’re not alone. The good news? While you cannot restore the original Launchpad in macOS 26 Tahoe, there are excellent third-party alternatives that bring back everything you loved about the classic experience.

What Changed in macOS 26 Tahoe?

Apple’s decision to replace Launchpad with the Apps feature removed several key functionalities that power users relied on:

• No custom app arrangement - You can no longer drag and drop apps to organize them
• Limited folder support - The robust folder system is gone
• Reduced customization - Visual customization options have been stripped away
• Different interaction model - The familiar grid-based interface has been replaced

The Best Third-Party Alternatives

🚀 Launchie: The Premium Launchpad Replacement

Launchie stands out as the most comprehensive alternative to the classic Launchpad. It closely mimics the original experience while adding modern enhancements:

Key Features:

• Full drag & drop functionality - Organize your apps exactly how you want them
• Custom folders - Group related apps together with ease
• Lightning-fast access - Press Cmd + K to open instantly from anywhere
• Powerful search - Find any app with built-in search functionality
• Modern design - Built specifically for Apple Silicon Macs with native performance
• Multiple visual styles - Choose between Sheet and Glass appearances
• Full screen mode - Immerse yourself completely in app organization

While Launchie isn’t full-screen by default and may have occasional minor bugs (like any third-party app), it provides the most faithful recreation of the original Launchpad experience.

🎯 AppHub: Another Solid Option

AppHub offers another approach to restoring Launchpad-like functionality:

• Smooth animations reminiscent of the original
• Advanced grid customization options
• Keyboard controls for power users
• Dark mode support
• Similar design philosophy to the classic Launchpad

Alternative Methods (If Third-Party Apps Aren’t for You)

If you prefer not to use third-party applications, consider these built-in alternatives:

📂 Applications Folder in Dock

1. Drag your Applications folder to the Dock
2. Right-click the new Applications folder icon
3. Select “View Content As” → “Grid”
4. Enjoy a grid-style view of your apps similar to Launchpad

This method provides quick access to your apps in a grid format, though without the full customization of the original Launchpad.

🔍 Enhanced Spotlight

The revamped Spotlight in macOS Tahoe integrates app launching capabilities:

1. Press Command + Space to open Spotlight
2. Press Command + 1 to view apps in grid format
3. Browse or search for the app you need

While functional, this approach lacks the visual organization and customization that made Launchpad special.

Why We Recommend Launchie

As the creators of Launchie, we obviously have a bias, but here’s why we believe it’s the best solution for bringing back Launchpad functionality:

✅ Complete Feature Parity

Launchie includes all the features you loved about the original Launchpad, plus modern enhancements.

✅ Native Performance

Built specifically for Apple Silicon Macs, Launchie feels fast and responsive.

✅ Active Development

We continuously update Launchie with new features and bug fixes based on user feedback.

✅ Easy Installation

Simply download, extract, and move to Applications - no complex setup required.

Getting Started with Launchie

Ready to restore your Launchpad experience? Here’s how to get started:

1. Download the latest version from our GitHub releases page
2. Extract Launchie.app from the zip file
3. Move it to your Applications folder
4. Launch and configure your preferred settings
5. Enjoy your restored Launchpad functionality!

Note: On first launch, you may need to right-click → Open due to macOS security settings.

The Verdict

While Apple’s decision to remove Launchpad in macOS 26 Tahoe was disappointing for many users, the third-party ecosystem has stepped up to fill the gap. You cannot restore the original Launchpad, but applications like Launchie provide an even better experience with modern enhancements and active development.

Whether you choose Launchie, AppHub, or one of the built-in alternatives, you don’t have to give up on organized app launching. The classic Launchpad experience lives on through these excellent alternatives.

Related Articles

• Introducing Launchie - Learn about the core features and philosophy behind Launchie
• Launchie 1.0.4 Released - Discover the latest improvements and new customization options

For questions about privacy and data collection, check our Privacy Policy.

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Missing other features from the classic macOS experience? Let me know what you’d like to see restored, and I might just build it into Launchie! 🚀