Launchpad Alternatives for macOS Tahoe: 4 Compared (2026)
Launchpad is gone in macOS 26. LaunchNext, LaunchOS, Launchie and Notchy's launcher wheel compared on price, macOS support and how fast they open apps.
By Vishva Variya · Published
macOS 26 Tahoe removed Launchpad, and the replacements arrived within weeks. Three rebuild the full-screen grid; one takes a different view of what Launchpad was actually for. Here is how they compare.
1. LaunchNext — the free, faithful rebuild
LaunchNext is free and open source under GPL-3.0, installable from GitHub or Homebrew, and notarised since 2.4.2. It imports your native Launchpad layout in one click and adds folders, custom icon sizes, fuzzy search, hot corners, gestures and multi-display support. Requires macOS 26.
2. LaunchOS — the polished paid one ($11.99)
LaunchOS feels most like Apple built it: Liquid Glass, 120 Hz and layout import in the free tier, with hot corners, the F4 key, custom grids, app uninstalling and batch operations in Pro. $11.99 for one Mac at its launch-offer price, with a seven-day Pro trial. Requires macOS 26.
3. Launchie — the organiser (free tier)
Launchie is a grid you arrange yourself, with unlimited folders, Spaces for different workflows, recents on top, backup and restore, and ⌘K to open it. It has a free tier and a paid upgrade, and requires macOS 26.
4. Notchy — a launcher wheel instead of a grid (free)
Most people didn't use Launchpad to browse; they used it to open the same six apps. Notchy's launcher wheel, new in 1.0.178, is built for that: press ⌃⌥L and your pinned favourites — or your running apps — fan out in a ring under the notch. Arrows, Tab, Return or a number key, and it's gone. It isn't a library of every app and has no folders. Free, macOS 13 Ventura and up.
The comparison
| LaunchNext | LaunchOS | Launchie | Notchy wheel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, open source | $11.99 (1 Mac) | Free tier + paid | Free |
| Minimum macOS | 26 | 26 | 26 | 13 Ventura |
| Shows | Every app | Every app | Every app | Favourites or running apps |
| Folders | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Imports Launchpad layout | Yes | Yes | — | No |
Bottom line
Want Launchpad back exactly: LaunchNext, free. Want it polished and don't mind paying: LaunchOS. Want to organise a big library: Launchie. Want your usual apps one keystroke away on any macOS from Ventura: Notchy.
Launchpad on macOS Tahoe FAQs
Did Apple remove Launchpad in macOS Tahoe?
Yes. macOS 26 Tahoe replaced Launchpad with a new Apps view, and the classic full-screen grid is gone.
What is the best free Launchpad replacement?
LaunchNext is free and open source (GPL-3.0), imports your old Launchpad layout, and is notarised since 2.4.2. Notchy's launcher wheel is free too, but it's a quick-launch ring rather than a grid of every app.
Which Launchpad alternatives work on older macOS?
LaunchNext, LaunchOS and Launchie all require macOS 26. Notchy runs from macOS 13 Ventura — useful if you manage several Macs on different versions.
Can I import my old Launchpad layout?
LaunchNext and LaunchOS both import the native Launchpad layout. Notchy's wheel uses the favourites you pin instead.