macOS Launchpad: The Rise and Fall of Apple’s App Launcher
macOS Launchpad was once the crown jewel of Mac app organization. For over a decade, from OS X Lion in 2011 to macOS 25 Sequoia, macOS Launchpad served as the primary visual interface for launching and organizing applications on Mac computers. But in a shocking move that sent ripples through the Mac community, Apple completely removed macOS Launchpad in macOS 26 Tahoe, replacing it with a stripped-down “Apps” feature in Spotlight.
This decision has left millions of Mac users asking: Why did Apple remove macOS Launchpad, and what can we do about it?
The Golden Age of macOS Launchpad (2011-2024)
macOS Launchpad was introduced as part of Apple’s effort to bring iOS-style app management to the Mac. The feature was revolutionary for its time, offering:
What Made macOS Launchpad Special
- Visual App Organization: macOS Launchpad provided a full-screen grid view of all your applications, making it easy to see everything at a glance
- Drag-and-Drop Customization: Users could arrange apps exactly how they wanted, creating personalized layouts
- Folder Support: macOS Launchpad allowed users to create folders by dragging one app onto another, just like iOS
- Search Integration: Built-in search made finding specific apps lightning-fast
- Familiar Interface: The iOS-inspired design felt natural to iPhone and iPad users
For over 13 years, macOS Launchpad was the go-to solution for users who wanted visual, organized access to their applications. Power users relied on its customization capabilities, while casual users appreciated its simplicity.
The Controversial Removal: Why Apple Killed macOS Launchpad
When Apple released macOS 26 Tahoe in late 2024, the tech giant made a decision that shocked longtime Mac users: macOS Launchpad was completely removed from the operating system.
Apple’s Official Reasoning
Apple claimed the removal of macOS Launchpad was part of their “streamlining” initiative, arguing that:
- Spotlight Integration: The new “Apps” section in Spotlight would provide similar functionality
- Reduced Complexity: Fewer interfaces would make macOS “cleaner”
- AI-Driven Organization: Machine learning would automatically categorize apps
The Real Impact on Users
However, the reality of losing macOS Launchpad has been far more problematic than Apple anticipated:
- Lost Customization: The new Apps interface doesn’t allow custom arrangement or folder creation
- Reduced Visual Clarity: Apps are now organized by system-determined categories, not user preference
- Workflow Disruption: Millions of users had to completely change their app-launching habits
- Productivity Loss: Many users report taking longer to find and launch applications
What Replaced macOS Launchpad? The Apps Interface Disappointment
Apple replaced macOS Launchpad with a new “Apps” section within Spotlight. While functional, this replacement falls dramatically short of what macOS Launchpad offered:
Apps Interface Limitations
- No Custom Organization: You cannot arrange apps in your preferred order
- Limited Visual Appeal: The interface lacks the clean, grid-based design of macOS Launchpad
- Category-Only Sorting: Apps are automatically sorted into predefined categories like “Utilities” and “Productivity”
- No Folder Creation: The beloved folder system from macOS Launchpad is completely gone
- Search-Dependent: You must search for apps rather than browse visually
The removal of macOS Launchpad sparked one of the most significant user backlashes in recent macOS history:
User Complaints Include:
- “I’ve been using macOS Launchpad for over a decade - this change ruined my workflow”
- “The new Apps interface is a massive step backward from macOS Launchpad”
- “Why would Apple remove such a useful feature like macOS Launchpad?”
- “I’m considering switching to Windows because macOS Launchpad was essential to my productivity”
Mac developers were equally frustrated, with many creating open-source projects specifically to restore macOS Launchpad functionality. The demand for macOS Launchpad alternatives has never been higher.
The Best macOS Launchpad Alternatives in 2025
Fortunately, the third-party developer community has stepped up to fill the void left by macOS Launchpad’s removal. Here are the top alternatives:
🚀 Launchie: The Ultimate macOS Launchpad Replacement
Launchie.app stands as the most comprehensive replacement for macOS Launchpad, offering everything the original had and more:
Why Launchie is the Perfect macOS Launchpad Alternative:
- Identical Visual Design: Launchie recreates the exact look and feel of macOS Launchpad
- Full Customization: Drag and drop apps, create folders, and organize exactly like the original macOS Launchpad
- Enhanced Search: Powerful search functionality that surpasses what macOS Launchpad offered
- Multiple View Modes: Choose between windowed, maximized, and fullscreen modes
- Modern Performance: Built specifically for Apple Silicon Macs with native performance
- Active Development: Regular updates and new features based on user feedback
- Easy Migration: Import your old macOS Launchpad layout automatically
Launchie Features That Surpass macOS Launchpad:
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Quick access with customizable hotkeys (default:
Cmd + K)
- Visual Styles: Choose between Sheet and Glass appearances
- Update Notifications: Stay informed about new features and improvements
- Better Folder Previews: See up to 9 apps in folder previews
- Multi-Monitor Support: Seamless operation across multiple displays
Other Notable Alternatives
While Launchie is the closest to the original macOS Launchpad experience, other options include:
- AppHub: Another grid-based app launcher with smooth animations
- LaunchBar: Text-based launcher for power users
- Alfred: Powerful productivity app with launcher capabilities
How to Get Your macOS Launchpad Experience Back
Ready to restore the macOS Launchpad functionality you’ve been missing? Here’s how to get started:
Installing Launchie (The Best macOS Launchpad Alternative)
- Visit Launchie.app to download the latest version
- Extract the Launchie.app from the downloaded .dmg file
- Move Launchie.app to your Applications folder
- Launch Launchie and grant necessary permissions
- Customize your layout just like the old macOS Launchpad
- Set up your preferred keyboard shortcut for instant access
Migration Tips from macOS Launchpad
- Recreate Your Folders: Rebuild the folder structure you had in macOS Launchpad
- Customize the Layout: Arrange apps in the same order you used in macOS Launchpad
- Set Up Search: Take advantage of Launchie’s enhanced search capabilities
- Explore New Features: Discover improvements that go beyond what macOS Launchpad offered
The Future of App Launching on Mac
While Apple’s removal of macOS Launchpad was controversial, it has opened the door for innovation in the third-party ecosystem. Applications like Launchie prove that the macOS Launchpad concept is not only still relevant but can be improved upon.
What This Means for Mac Users
- More Choice: Third-party alternatives offer features Apple never included in macOS Launchpad
- Better Customization: Apps like Launchie provide more personalization options than macOS Launchpad ever did
- Active Development: Unlike macOS Launchpad, which saw minimal updates, alternatives are actively improved
- Community-Driven: User feedback directly influences development, something Apple rarely provided for macOS Launchpad
Why macOS Launchpad Still Matters in 2025
Despite Apple’s decision to remove macOS Launchpad, the core principles that made it successful remain relevant:
The Enduring Appeal of macOS Launchpad’s Design
- Visual Organization: Humans are visual creatures - seeing apps in a grid is more intuitive than searching
- Muscle Memory: Years of macOS Launchpad usage created ingrained habits that are hard to break
- Productivity: The macOS Launchpad interface allowed for faster app discovery and launching
- Simplicity: The clean, uncluttered design of macOS Launchpad reduced cognitive load
Conclusion: macOS Launchpad Lives On Through Alternatives
While Apple may have removed macOS Launchpad from macOS 26 Tahoe, the spirit of this beloved feature lives on through excellent third-party alternatives. The removal of macOS Launchpad was a mistake that left millions of users frustrated, but the developer community has responded with solutions that not only restore the macOS Launchpad experience but improve upon it.
macOS Launchpad represented more than just an app launcher - it embodied a philosophy of visual, user-controlled organization that resonated with Mac users worldwide. Today, applications like Launchie.app carry forward that legacy while adding modern enhancements and active development.
If you’re one of the millions of users missing macOS Launchpad, you don’t have to settle for Apple’s inferior replacement. The macOS Launchpad experience you love is just a download away.
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Missing the simplicity and power of macOS Launchpad? Try Launchie today and get back the app organization experience you deserve. 🚀
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