macOS Sonoma (14) & Sequoia (15)
Launchpad still exists. Check the Dock, open the Applications folder, or search “Launchpad” in Spotlight. If the Dock icon is missing, only the shortcut was removed — the feature is still there.
Where is Launchpad on Mac?
The answer depends on your macOS version. On macOS Sonoma and Sequoia, Launchpad is in the Dock, the Applications folder, or Spotlight. On macOS Tahoe (macOS 26), it’s gone — Apple removed it and replaced it with the Spotlight Apps view. Here’s how to find it, or get a real app grid back.
Quick answer: If your Mac runs Sonoma or Sequoia, open Finder → Applications and drag Launchpad back to the Dock. If your Mac runs Tahoe (macOS 26), there is no Launchpad app to restore; use the new Apps view or install a Launchpad-style app grid.
First, which macOS are you on?
macOS Tahoe (macOS 26)
Launchpad was removed entirely. There is no Launchpad to find. Apple replaced it with the Spotlight Applications view and an Apps icon in the Dock. See the macOS Tahoe guide.
Check your version in → About This Mac. macOS Tahoe shipped in September 2025.
Launchpad missing from the Dock?
- Confirm you are not on macOS Tahoe.Choose Apple menu → About This Mac. These steps restore Launchpad on Sonoma, Sequoia, and earlier versions; Tahoe removed the app itself.
- Open the Applications folder.Click Finder, choose Go → Applications, and locate Launchpad. Removing its Dock icon does not uninstall Launchpad.
- Drag Launchpad back to the Dock.Drop it on the app side of the Dock, to the left of the divider. You can also open Launchpad, Control-click its running Dock icon, then choose Options → Keep in Dock.
- Check it with Spotlight.Press ⌘ Space, type “Launchpad,” and press Return. If Spotlight opens it, the app is present even if its Dock shortcut was missing.
Apple’s Dock guide confirms that removing an app icon from the Dock does not remove the app from your Mac.
On older macOS: places to check.
Check the Dock
Look for the Launchpad icon (a grid of squares) in your Dock. If it isn’t there, the shortcut may have been removed from the Dock only.
Open Applications
Open Finder, choose Applications, and look for Launchpad. You can also open any app you need directly from this folder.
Search Spotlight
Press ⌘ Space, type “Launchpad,” and press Return. If it appears, the feature still exists on your Mac.
Launchpad not in Applications?
Check About This Mac before downloading anything. On macOS Tahoe, the missing Launchpad app is expected because Apple replaced it. On Sonoma, Sequoia, and earlier releases, search for Launchpad with Spotlight and restart the Mac if Finder has not refreshed. Avoid downloading an unofficial “Launchpad.app” bundle from the web; use the system copy or a signed launcher replacement.
On macOS Tahoe: how to open your apps now.
Apps icon in the Dock
Click the new Apps icon — it sits where Launchpad’s icon used to be.
Spotlight + ⌘1
Press ⌘ Space, then ⌘1 to switch to the Applications browse mode.
Trackpad gesture
The four-finger pinch-inward gesture now opens the Apps view instead of Launchpad.
Applications folder
Press ⇧⌘A in Finder, or drag the Applications folder to the Dock for a grid stack.
Note: the Tahoe Apps view is a search-first floating list with auto categories. It has no custom folders, no custom pages, and no saved layout — so it doesn’t replace the old Launchpad browsing experience.
When a replacement makes sense.
If you can open apps but miss the visual grid, folders, and layout you spent years building, a dedicated launcher restores that workflow. Facet Free brings back a classic fullscreen Launchpad-style grid with keyboard search, folders, and Launchpad layout import on macOS 14.0 and later, including macOS Tahoe. Pro is an optional one-time upgrade.
Related guides.
macOS Tahoe
Get Launchpad back
Launchpad replacement
Sources: Apple Support — Use the Dock on Mac; Apple Support — Browse Modes in Spotlight (macOS Tahoe); Apple Newsroom (macOS Tahoe 26, June 2025); MacRumors and Macworld coverage of Launchpad’s removal (2025).