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 Tahoe 26
Related Forum: macOS Tahoe

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Top Rated Comments

Kylo83 Avatar
1 week ago
This sucks, I use it all the time, I want to see all apps in one place, this is a step back
Score: 43 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleTO Avatar
1 week ago
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: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JCCL Avatar
1 week ago
So is it now a …..Start menu?
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Love-hate ? relationship Avatar
1 week ago
why the **** would they remove launchpad ? they could leave it as it and add app library as a bonus. this sucks
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Princess C. Avatar
1 week ago
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: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jz0309 Avatar
1 week ago
While I don’t use launchpad on my Mac, I hate the App Library on my iPhone/ipad
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)