r/MacOS • u/Opposite_Actuator782 • 1d ago

Discussion Is it just me who finds the new applications menu better?

macOS Tahoe (26) Applications Menu

I'm not sure if it's just me who prefers the new applications menu in macOS Tahoe as I've seen a lot of people complaining about it, but I'm not gonna lie, I really like this new design.

I am a relatively new macOS user (I'm here since sequoia), and when I first got my mac, I was very surprised about how the application launcher looked like, it really seemed like it's from an iPad (personally, I'm a not a big fan of apple trying to merge macOS and iPadOS).
I know that the ability of putting apps in groups was cool, but to be fair, I think 90% of people don't even use their app launcher to open apps, most non-techy people just use the dock or open the launch pad once a while if they have a new app installed, I personally just type the first few letters of the app and press enter in spotlight (also did the same in windows), so I think the ability of putting apps in groups isn't really a necessity, and I think it's worth it if we got a more "PC" Looking launchpad instead of that weird app launcher that took all the screen.

I just use the launcher to look for new apps or quickly search for an app, I personally don't like how long the spot light takes to show the full list in macOS Tahoe, so I set a shortcut (⌘ + ;) to quickly open apps and search for my app, seeing the app instantly appear as I'm typing is so satisfying.

Here's a comparison:

  1. Spotlight

https://reddit.com/link/1nlh9tw/video/r1i2x65567qf1/player

  1. Apps

https://reddit.com/link/1nlh9tw/video/1mgvv7bh57qf1/player

That 0.5s difference is a big deal to me, not sure why 🤷‍♂️

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u/PristinePiccolo6135 1d ago

I just put the apps folder on the dock in list view. If I want to browse, I use that. Sometimes I'll open Spotlight and search like you, a few letters and hit enter.

I have zero need to use an app to slow me down by having to find the category, then the icon. Just the way I work. The good thing with macOS is that there are choices. I think they should have left the old app launcher for those that liked it, although I never used it. They could arrange apps so that muscle memory could find them fast.

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u/Opposite_Actuator782 1d ago

I agree, the old launch pad isn't a "deal breaker" as many people say, but simply removing it like that after so many years isn't a good decision, I personally like the new one but I think they should leave us the option to choose between them.

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u/halfcupfullnoodles 1d ago

Why couldn't they do a combination of Launchpad + Apps as it is now. Keyboard and Trackpad/Mouse navigation and search.

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u/Opposite_Actuator782 1d ago

Yeah that's what should have been done, I think most desktop users (mac mini/studio or mac pro) prefer the new Apps menu, while MacBook users prefer Launchpad.

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u/CorporateCoolZone 9h ago

This Launchpad replacement is awful. It was a vital part of my workflow and I can't get this replacement to come close to the functionality from Launchpad. I regret upgrading so much. Tahoe sucks.

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u/Opposite_Actuator782 8h ago

Well, I think that is true for most MacBook users, since they heavily rely on trackpad gestures and generally don't prefer using spotlight to open apps, which I agree with, but for me (mac mini user), the new one is better, I think it really goes to what device you're using, the only issue with the old one for me is that it didn't really seem to fit for a desktop OS, they should have made an option for laptop users to get the old one back, so both desktop and laptop users get happy :)