A quiet shift occurred last fall with the arrival of macOS Tahoe. Apple quietly removed Launchpad, a once-familiar app launching point, and replaced it with a new “Apps” application. The change sparked a wave of nostalgia – and for many, a scramble to find alternatives.
Users quickly turned to third-party applications designed to replicate the Launchpad experience. One of the most popular solutions was AppGrid, a program specifically built to fill the void left by Apple’s decision. But now, that solution faces an unexpected threat.
Developer Michael Tsai recently highlighted a troubling situation: AppGrid’s developer, Attila Miklosi, is being prevented from updating the app through the Mac App Store. The reason? Apple claims AppGrid too closely resembles the discontinued Launchpad, violating their guidelines.
The irony is stark. AppGrid’s very purpose is to mimic Launchpad, a feature Apple itself removed. This ruling suggests Apple intends to enforce guidelines even on features they’ve abandoned, raising questions of fairness and user choice.
Miklosi has been informed that updates will only be approved once AppGrid is significantly redesigned. However, he’s hesitant to comply. “Thousands have paid for it already, and they paid exactly for it being as similar to Launchpad as possible,” he explained, choosing to prioritize his existing user base.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that AppGrid remains available for purchase on the Mac App Store. Apple continues to collect its standard 30 percent commission on each sale, even though the app is effectively frozen in time, unable to receive crucial updates or improvements.
Miklosi had promised a new version with enhanced features – advanced customization, app grouping, and renaming capabilities – but those plans are now indefinitely stalled. Buyers are left with unsupported software, a frustrating outcome for those who invested in the app.
Faced with this impasse, Miklosi has shifted his focus to the direct download version of AppGrid, available through his website. While this bypasses the App Store restrictions, it leaves the future uncertain. Could Launchpad, against all odds, make a return someday?
For those interested in experiencing AppGrid, the direct download is now the recommended path. It’s not only a way to access the latest version but also a more affordable option, costing $25 for a license supporting five Macs, compared to $30 on the App Store.
