Apple is blocking updates to a popular macOS application, AppGrid, because the company believes it too closely resembles Launchpad, a feature Apple itself discontinued with the release of macOS Tahoe. The situation highlights the often-complex relationship between Apple and third-party developers, and raises questions about the boundaries of innovation within the company’s ecosystem.
AppGrid, created by developer Attila Miklosi, quickly gained traction among macOS users who missed the functionality of Launchpad – a grid-based application launcher – after it was removed in macOS Tahoe. The app essentially restores that experience, allowing users to easily browse, organize, and launch applications. Though, four months ago, updates to AppGrid abruptly stopped being approved by Apple’s App Store review team.
Miklosi discovered the reason for the blockage: Apple deemed AppGrid “too similar” to the now-defunct Launchpad. As reported by Michael Tsai, Miklosi shared his experience, stating, “About three months in, Apple blocked all further updates. The reason: too similar to Launchpad — the feature they had just removed from the OS. I appealed several times, got nowhere, and eventually gave up.”
The situation is particularly frustrating for Miklosi, as Apple isn’t removing the app from the App Store entirely. Instead, it’s effectively frozen, continuing to generate revenue for both Apple (through its standard 30% commission) and Miklosi, while preventing him from addressing bugs, responding to user feedback, or adding fresh features. “They didn’t pull the app, but forced it into a zombie state,” Miklosi explained. “It’s still on the App Store right now, still selling, and Apple is still collecting 30% on every sale. They just won’t let me ship updates.”
Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines, available on the company’s developer website, prohibit apps that are “confusingly similar” to existing Apple products. The guidelines specifically mention interfaces and apps like Finder, the App Store, and Messages. The key word, as Tsai points out, is “existing.” Apple’s stance suggests that even a discontinued feature is still protected under these guidelines.
Miklosi was informed by Apple that he could submit updates if he significantly altered the app’s appearance to differentiate it from Launchpad. However, he ultimately decided against this approach. “Apple told me they would accept updates if I made the app look different enough from Launchpad. But by then thousands have paid for it already, and they paid exactly for it being as similar to Launchpad as possible, so I decided not to go down that route,” he said.
As a workaround, Miklosi is now distributing an alternative version of AppGrid directly from his website, appgridmac.com. This version includes features that Apple would likely reject for App Store distribution, such as activation via hot corners and pinch gestures. This direct distribution allows Miklosi to continue developing and supporting the app, albeit outside of Apple’s official marketplace.
This case underscores the challenges faced by developers navigating Apple’s App Store ecosystem. While Apple emphasizes the importance of a curated experience for users, the company’s strict guidelines can sometimes stifle innovation and create difficult situations for developers offering solutions to address user needs. The App Store Review Guidelines are intended to protect users and maintain a consistent experience, but the line between inspiration and imitation can be blurry, particularly when dealing with features Apple has already discontinued.
The situation with AppGrid isn’t unique. Developers have previously reported similar issues with Apple blocking updates or rejecting apps for perceived similarities to existing Apple features. This raises broader questions about Apple’s control over its platform and the potential for anti-competitive practices, a topic that has drawn increased scrutiny from regulators globally.
Miklosi continues to maintain and update the direct-download version of AppGrid, providing a lifeline for macOS users who prefer a Launchpad-like experience. He is currently focused on refining the app and adding new features based on user feedback. The next planned update, according to Miklosi’s website, will focus on improving performance and stability on macOS Tahoe.
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