LaunchNext LaunchNext is a macOS application designed to bring back the traditional Launchpad experience in macOS 26 (Tahoe) and later versions. It emphasizes customizability, performance, and user control, addressing key limitations in the native Launchpad interface. --- Overview Goal: Restore a customizable, powerful Launchpad experience lost in macOS Tahoe. License: GPL-3.0 license. Languages: Multilingual support including English, Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Hindi, Vietnamese, and Korean. Download: Available via GitHub Releases. --- Key Features Instant App Launch Double-click apps to launch immediately. Full keyboard navigation support. Real-time fuzzy search for quick app finding. Advanced Folder System Create folders by dragging one app onto another. Inline rename folders. Custom folder icons and organization. Drag-and-drop apps in/out of folders seamlessly. Intelligent Search Fast, real-time filtering across all installed applications. Keyboard shortcuts enable quick access. Modern Interface Design Liquid Glass visual effect inspired by regularMaterial with elegant shadows. Fullscreen and windowed display modes. Smooth animations and responsive layouts. Seamless Data Migration One-click import directly from native macOS Launchpad database (SQLite). Automatic app discovery and scanning. Persistent layout using SwiftData. Zero data loss during system updates. System Integration Native macOS application with deep integration using AppKit. Multi-monitor aware positioning. Works alongside Dock and system apps. Smart background click detection prevents accidental dismissal. --- Technical Architecture Built with: SwiftUI (UI framework), SwiftData (data persistence), AppKit (macOS system integration), SQLite3 (Reads Launchpad database). Data Storage: ~/Library/Application Support/LaunchNext/Data.store Launchpad Database Path: /private$(getconf DARWINUSERDIR)com.apple.dock.launchpad/db/db --- Installation & Build Instructions Requirements macOS 26 (Tahoe) or later. Apple Silicon or Intel CPU. Xcode 26 for building from source. Build from Source Clone the repo Open in Xcode Build & run within Xcode or use command line: Regular: Universal binary (Intel + Apple Silicon): Running unsigned apps on macOS If macOS blocks the app, run in Terminal: (Use only on trusted apps due to security implications.) --- Usage Getting Started LaunchNext scans all installed apps automatically on first launch. Click to select, double-click to launch. Use type-to-search or drag apps to create folders. Import Existing Launchpad Layout Open Settings (gear icon). Click "Import Launchpad" to import current launchpad layout and folders. Folder Management Drag an app onto another to create a folder. Click folder name to rename. Add or remove apps via drag-and-drop. Display Modes Windowed mode with rounded corners. Fullscreen mode for maximum visibility. Toggle modes in settings. --- Comparison with macOS Tahoe "Applications" Interface | Feature | macOS Tahoe Applications | LaunchNext | |----------------------|--------------------------|------------------| | Custom Organization | ❌ | ✅