Alternatives to Launchpad in macOS Tahoe matter greatly. Apple removed Launchpad with macOS Tahoe version twenty six. Many users depended on Launchpad for fast app access. The replacement Apps overlay feels slower and confusing.
Users worldwide now search better app opening methods. Here, I will explain every reliable alternative available. All methods are simple, practical, and easy to use. Each option helps restore smooth daily Mac workflows.
Alternatives to Launchpad in macOS Tahoe Using Built-In Tools
The new Apps overlay in macOS Tahoe
Alternatives to Launchpad in macOS Tahoe start with Apple tools. Apple introduced a new Apps overlay replacing Launchpad. This overlay tries copying Launchpad but feels incomplete.
You can open the overlay using different system methods. The overlay opens from the Dock icon easily. It also opens using a trackpad gesture. Pressing Command Space then Command one also works.
The overlay shows five frequently used apps first. Below appears a grid listing all applications alphabetically. Mac apps and iPhone apps appear together by default. This mixed list distracts users wanting cleaner views. Thankfully Apple allows hiding iPhone apps easily.
Hide iPhone apps from the Apps overlay
You can make the overlay cleaner with one setting. This change brings the experience closer to Launchpad. Open the Apps overlay using keyboard shortcuts. Click the three dots icon on top right.
Disable the Show iPhone Apps option there. Now only Mac applications appear inside the overlay. This tweak makes the overlay clearer and faster. Still the overlay window size cannot change. Some users want larger flexible browsing spaces.
Add Applications folder to the Dock
Adding Applications folder to Dock helps greatly. This method offers fast grid style app browsing. It works without installing extra software. Open Finder on your Mac. Drag Applications folder into the Dock. Place it near the Trash icon divider.
Right click the Applications Dock icon. Choose Grid under View Content As. Now apps appear neatly in a grid. You can switch to list view anytime. Opening apps now takes only two clicks.
Use Hot Corners for faster access
Hot Corners also speed app access greatly. This feature opens the Apps overlay instantly. Open System Settings on your Mac. Select the Desktop and Dock section.
Click the Hot Corners option. Assign any screen corner to Apps. Move the cursor to that corner anytime. The Apps overlay opens instantly without clicks.
Using Dock Folders
Create custom app folders
Alternatives to Launchpad in macOS Tahoe include custom folders. Many users install many apps but use few. Organizing apps by purpose saves time daily. You can group apps for work usage. You can also separate personal project applications.
Create a new folder on Desktop first. Open Applications folder inside Finder. Drag apps into the Desktop folder. App aliases are created automatically. Repeat this process for all needed apps. Drag this Desktop folder into Dock. Place it near the Trash icon area.
Right click the folder icon inside Dock. Set View Content As Grid style. You can adjust sorting preferences if needed.
Click this Dock folder anytime to open apps. This method reduces clutter significantly. It works well for work based app grouping. It also helps separate personal project apps clearly.
Use Desktop app shortcuts
Another simple method uses Desktop shortcuts. You can place app aliases directly on Desktop. This setup resembles a Windows desktop style. While less clean it remains effective. Some users prefer visible shortcuts.
Using Third-Party Apps
Launchie app launcher
Alternatives to Launchpad in macOS Tahoe improve using apps. Several developers recreated Launchpad-like experiences. Launchie is the closest Launchpad replacement available.
It recreates the classic full screen grid. Users can drag apps and create folders. The interface feels fast and responsive. Launchie works immediately after installation.
Launchie allows starting automatically at login. It can close by clicking background space. The keyboard shortcut can be changed easily. The default shortcut uses Command plus K.
Many apps also use this shortcut. You can change it to Command Shift A. Launchie can be added to Dock. It does not show a dot indicator. This behavior matches the original Launchpad design.
You can set window size to fullscreen. Launchie offers Glass and Sheet styles. Sheet style feels closer to the old Launchpad. The learning curve remains almost zero.
AppGrid launcher
AppGrid is another strong Launchpad alternative. It organizes apps into pages like Launchpad. Apps do not appear in one long pane. This layout feels familiar for longtime Mac users.
AppGrid supports smooth scrolling and quick search. Free customization options are also available. AppGrid suits users with many installed apps. It offers structure and better visual clarity.
Folder Peek menu bar app
Folder Peek offers a different approach. It works from the Mac menu bar. It allows quick access without opening windows. Download and open Folder Peek first. Click its menu bar icon.
Select the Add Folder option. Choose the Applications folder from Finder. Confirm by clicking Add. Now click the Folder Peek icon anytime. A list of all Mac apps appears. Click any app name to open instantly. This method suits menu bar lovers.
Terminal method no longer works
Apple previously allowed Terminal Launchpad restoration. This worked only in early developer beta builds. Apple blocked this method in later versions.
Users cannot restore the original Launchpad now. Trying the new Apps overlay remains optional. After hiding iPhone apps it works acceptably. Some users may adapt over time.
The Bottom Corner
Alternatives to Launchpad in macOS Tahoe offer real solutions. Apple removed Launchpad but users still have choices. Built in tools provide quick reliable access. Dock folders help organize frequently used apps.
Hot Corners save time opening applications. Launchie closely recreates classic Launchpad experience. AppGrid and Folder Peek offer flexible workflows. Choose what fits your daily Mac usage best.
