Apps in tahoe 26.0 - how to change the default categories for applications?

Question

Level 2

215 points

Apps in tahoe 26.0 - how to change the default categories for applications?

I had applications grouped to support workflows, which I depend on to make money.

The current app launcher makes it nearly impossible to quickly bring up a window and select an app. Now I have to know the name of the app (not always as simple as you'd think - I have several different terminal emulators that have the name term or terminal in them, and the icons are very similar)

I have applications that I don't run frequently, but when I need them, I need to be able to easily launch them.

I have several IDEs and code editors I use depending on what I am working on, now I can't just launch a developer tools window and get what I need.

I bought an M4 pro mini for being able to be more productive, not less. I really don't want to add 30+ applications to the dock (even in folders)

Posted on Sep 15, 2025 04:47 PM

Reply

Answer 1

dialabrain

Level 10

133,679 points

Sep 15, 2025 05:02 PM in response to Tim Lovern

Feel free to send Apple feedback.

Feedback - macOS - Apple

Reply

Answer 2

Sep 15, 2025 05:10 PM in response to Tim Lovern

Tim Lovern wrote:

I had applications grouped to support workflows

The current app launcher makes it nearly impossible to quickly bring up a window and select an app. Now I have to know the name of the app (not always as simple as you'd think - I have several different terminal emulators that have the name term or terminal in them, and the icons are very similar)

I have applications that I don't run frequently, but when I need them, I need to be able to easily launch them.

I do not really grok what is your "App Launcher" compare to what?

—Applications folder

—Spotlight

—on the Dock?

I moved from Sequoia to Tahoe and I see no difference— granted my work flow sounds less complex than the picture you are trying to paint.

If you are speaking of the old Launchpad see this reference—

ref: https://www.macworld.com/article/2846899/this-terminal-trick-brings-back-launchpad-on-macos-26.html

maybe you can say more.

Reply

Answer 3

Sep 19, 2025 02:41 PM in response to Tim Lovern

@chabberdabbe—

It does seem the new App.app is in its infancy. Many have issue with its practicality /edit-ability compare to the old LaunchPad.app

I never used LaunchPad so I am unaffected in this regard.

What I do see as a welcome new edition is the Command 4 for access to the history of the Clipboard using the App interface or its sister Spotlight.

ref: Search your Clipboard history in Spotlight on Mac - Apple Support

with any luck it will improve over the years.

To be proactive you can file a bug report / submit your Apple Feedback here: Product Feedback - Apple

Reply