Did you notice something missing in macOS 26? The beloved Launchpad, a feature that gave Mac users an iPhone-like grid of apps with folder support, has vanished. And this is the part most people miss: while many users didn’t rely on it heavily, a dedicated group of fans is now left wondering how to fill the void. But fear not—there are solutions, and I’ve tested them to help you find the best fit. Here’s the lowdown on how to reclaim your app-launching sanity.
The Rise and Fall of Launchpad
macOS 26, codenamed Tahoe, introduced a slew of new features but quietly removed Launchpad. Most users barely noticed, as they rely on the Dock, Spotlight, or the new Apps window for quick access. But here’s where it gets controversial: was Apple right to remove it, or did they overlook a niche but passionate user base? The debate rages on social media, with some users mourning its loss.
The Best Free Alternative: Launchie
After testing several replacements, I’ve crowned Launchie (https://www.launchie.app/) as the top contender. Available for free on the Mac App Store with no in-app purchases (at least for now), it’s a solid choice. Launchie displays your apps in an alphabetical list, which you can navigate with arrow keys or scroll through. While it’s not a perfect replica—it lacks the grid-based panels of Launchpad—it does include a critical feature: folders. For example, I created a folder for all my games, making organization a breeze.
You can customize Launchie to your liking. Choose whether it opens full screen or in a window, tweak its appearance, set it to launch at startup, or assign a keyboard shortcut. It’s not flawless, but with a bit of setup, it’s a reliable and cost-effective solution.
Other Worthy Alternatives
If Launchie isn’t your cup of tea, here are a few other options:
Apple’s Built-In Solution: The new "Applications" button in the Dock opens Spotlight’s app section, listing your Mac and iPhone apps alphabetically. While it lacks folders and full-screen mode, it’s a decent workaround. Pro tip: Hide iPhone apps by clicking the three dots in the top-right corner.
The Finder Workaround: Drag the "Applications" folder from Finder to your Dock. This gives you a scrollable list of apps and lets you organize them into folders manually. It’s a bit clunky but avoids third-party software.
LaunchNext for Power Users: For those who crave customization, LaunchNext (https://github.com/RoversX/LaunchNext) stands out. It can import your old Launchpad folders and settings, but it requires bypassing macOS security—a risky move I don’t recommend. It’s also slower than Launchie but worth exploring if you’re tech-savvy.
The Risky Route: Reviving Old Launchpad
Some alternatives attempt to restore the original Launchpad from older macOS versions, but these often require extensive hacking and tend to break with updates. At the time of writing, none were fully functional. While tempting, this approach is likely more trouble than it’s worth.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Change (or Don’t)
It’s natural to feel frustrated when a favorite feature disappears, but the good news is there are alternatives. Whether you choose Launchie, Apple’s built-in tools, or another option, one of them will likely fit your needs. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Did Apple make the right call by removing Launchpad, or should they have kept it for the sake of its loyal users? Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your take on this divisive decision!
