With the introduction of MacOS Tahoe, Apple is putting an end to Launchpad for Mac. With this function you could view, manage and open all your installed apps on your Mac at a glance. From now on you can find this overview (limited) in spotlight.
For many, Launchpad was the starting point to work with apps on macOS. Because the function is now definitively removed, this change marks an important shift in the way in which users open and manage their applications. We explain how you can now approach your apps on a Mac.
End for launchpad
For years, Launchpad was the way to get quick and well -arranged access to all apps on your Mac, similar to the home screen of an iPhone or iPad. You could adjust the order of the apps yourself, create folders and even remove apps via the interface.
With Macos Tahoe, Apple has decided to completely remove Launchpad from the operating system. This means that the grid overview and the known functionalities are no longer available.
Not possible to re -activate Launchpad
It is not possible to re -activate Launchpad under MacOS 26 or newer. Terminal commands that can be found on the internet to switch on the app overview do not work. Apple has blocked these options in the final version of MacOS Tahoe.
Consult Apps in Spotlight for Mac
With MacOS 26, Apple has introduced an alternative: a new apps application. This replaces Launchpad and acts as a shortcut to a renewed overview of your applications within Spotlight. You can consult this display in different ways.
The easiest way is to click in the dock on ‘Apps’ (similar to how you found launchpad). Via this shortcut you immediately open the app overview in Spotlight.
In addition, you can also consult ‘apps’ directly from Spotlight. To do this, click on the magnifying glass in the menu bar or feed the key combination command⌘ + Space out. Via the browse display for apps (App Store Symbol) you can view and open all apps that are present on your Mac.
Smart display in Spotlight
All apps are cleverly sorted based on the relevance for you and the smart suggestions ensure that the right apps are available when you need them. In addition, apps are sorted in categories for quick access. Finally, you can also immediately search for a desired app and open it.
Unfortunately, unlike Launchpad, you can no longer determine the order of your apps yourself and it is no longer possible to create folders for apps.
Apps in Finder
In addition to Spotlight, you can also consult all installed applications on your Mac in Finder. From the navigation column you can click on ‘apps’ to view all applications. With the key combination command⌘ + shift⇧ + A You can consult them super fast in Finder once you have opened a window or you have the desktop active.
From this display it is also possible to add the apps application with a towing movement to the dock, so that you have quick access to the app display in Spotlight.