With the arrival of Macos Tahoe, Apple has implemented a number of changes in the way you manage and remove apps. The most striking change is the loss of Launchpad, which has been replaced by a new approach via Spotlight and the renewed Apps function.
Previously you could easily remove your Mac via Launchpad Apps that you had installed via the Mac App Store. This is no longer possible since macOS 26. We explain how you can remove applications from your Mac without a launchpad.
End for launchpad
In MacOS Tahoe, Apple finally said goodbye to Launchpad, the grid representation with which you could quickly view and manage all your installed apps for years. Instead, Apple has introduced a new apps.App that is integrated into the renewed Spotlight overview.
This display shows your applications per category with a search bar at the top. Based on smart suggestions, MacOS tries to predict which app you want to use as soon as you open the function. Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to determine the order of apps themselves as before.
Delete apps on a Mac
Do you want to remove apps on your Mac from MacOS? Then you cannot do this from the app overview in Spotlight. You can, however, remove the applications from Finder, System Settings or with the help of third -party apps.
Uninstall function
If you want to remove an application on your Mac, it is recommended to first check whether the program has a uninstall function. This can be a separate app or a button in the application settings.
Sometimes you can also activate the installation of an app from the menu bar after you have opened the application. Then click on the name of the app in the menu bar and choose ‘Uninstall’ or ‘De Installeer’. Unfortunately, not all apps have such a function.
Delete via Finder
Most third -party apps, even that you have installed from the Mac App Store, can be removed via Finder. Since macOS 26 this is the most common way to erase applications of your Mac. Follow the following steps for this:
- Open the ‘Apps’ folder in MacOS Finder
- Click on the app using a secondary click (right mouse button).
- In the context menu, choose the ‘Move to a waste basket’ option.
- Then empty the trash to permanently remove the app from your Mac.
Unfortunately, this way of deleting is not ideal because sometimes data and files are left on your Mac. If the app has a uninstaller, it is best to use it, instead of manual removal to the trash.
Delete apps via system settings
A handy way to remove apps and immediately see how much storage space you win back:
- Go to ▸ System settings
- Select General ▸ Storage
- Wait until ‘apps’ is loaded and click on the (i) button next to the apps size
- Select the app you want to delete
- Click on ‘Delete’
- Confirm the action and, if necessary, enter your administrator password
Delete apps with Cleanmymac
It is best to completely remove apps (from third parties), for which various special apps on the market are the best known is Cleanmymac from Macpaw. This app has a special module for removing apps that can also clean up the ‘rest’ files of the app. You can also use the app for apps that are installed with a special installation program.
- Open the Cleanmymac app.
- In the left column, click Apps ▸ Scan
- Choose ‘Manage my apps’
- In the list, select which apps you want to delete.
- Start cleaning up the apps by clicking on the ‘Remove’ button.
Cleanmymac is now going to work to remove the apps completely from your hard disk, quickly and simple.
With Cleanmymac you can give macOS a thorough cleaning, you can remove all your digital litter and unused files. This will make your Mac perform optimally again and you will release extra storage space. But that is not all, the Mac app can also scan on malware, protect privacy, remove apps completely and much more.
Remove Apple Apps as standard
It is normally not possible to remove the standard macOS applications from your Mac. For example, if you try to remove music from your Mac, you will notice that nothing happens. In some cases the warning “Music cannot be changed or removed because it is required for macOS.”
The System Integrity Protection (SIP) is responsible for this report. Since OS X El Capitan, SIP provides that system files cannot simply be changed or removed. However, by switching off SIP it is possible to remove applications.
Hiding and ignoring is usually the best option. If you still want to remove a standard app, it requires advanced terminal commands and disabling protections, which entails risks. You can read how this is exactly in the highlighted article below.