macOS Tahoe Transforms Launchpad Into App Library

macOS Tahoe does away with the Launchpad feature that's designed to show you all of the apps on your Mac, instead replacing it with a new "Applications" interface that's similar to the App Library on the iPhone and iPad.

macos tahoe app list
The Applications interface organizes apps by category, like Utilities, Productivity and Finance, Social, Creativity, Information and Reading, Entertainment, and Other. There's also a Suggested section at the top of the interface.

The Launchpad replacement appears to be part of Apple's big Spotlight overhaul, and it can also be used to access Actions, Files, and Clipboard, with quick access keyboard shortcuts. Apple calls these "Browse Modes."

  • Command + 1 opens up Applications.
  • Command + 2 opens Files.
  • Command + 3 opens Actions.
  • Command + 4 opens Clipboard.

Actions are what you can do from the new version of Spotlight, and there are options ranging from sending a message to starting a timer. Clipboard brings up your clipboard history, including images you've copied and things you've pasted.

By default, the Applications interface shows your apps in a tiled view organized by category, but there are other options. You can choose a list view that's either organized by category or by app name, or you can use the alphabetical option in a tiled view.

macOS Tahoe and the revamped Applications interface that replaces Launchpad is only available to developers right now. Apple plans to make a public beta available in July, with a launch to follow in September.

Related Roundup: macOS 26 Tahoe

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Top Rated Comments

Kylo83 Avatar
4 hours ago at 02:54 pm
This sucks, I use it all the time, I want to see all apps in one place, this is a step back
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JCCL Avatar
4 hours ago at 02:48 pm
So is it now a …..Start menu?
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleTO Avatar
4 hours ago at 02:55 pm
Oh really? Launchpad is how I launch almost all my apps. I prefer it and use a minimal dock. Not sure how I feel about this one.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Love-hate ? relationship Avatar
3 hours ago at 03:08 pm
why the **** would they remove launchpad ? they could leave it as it and add app library as a bonus. this sucks
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Eric_WVGG Avatar
3 hours ago at 03:08 pm
Good riddance

funny how this looks like the old System Preferences app tho
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Princess C. Avatar
3 hours ago at 03:11 pm
This is very annoying for me because I basically use the LaunchPad like I use my Home Screen on iOS and leave the desktop screen blank.

On the LaunchPad, I have my apps in different folders and designed my own folder name and categories. So I would hate if the new categories are based on what Apple or the developer labels them.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)