Apps on a Mac update in different ways. Some come from the Mac App Store, some from Homebrew, and many check for updates themselves, but only while they’re open. LaunchingPad checks them all on a schedule and marks every app that has a newer version, right on the app grid you already use.
What it checks
| Where the app came from | How LaunchingPad updates it |
|---|---|
| Mac App Store | Shows the new version and opens the app’s App Store page. |
| Homebrew Cask | Runs brew upgrade --cask for that app after you confirm. |
| Apps that update themselves (Sparkle) | Hands the update to the app’s own updater. |
| Microsoft apps | Installs through Microsoft AutoUpdate after you confirm. |
| Apple’s apps | Opens Software Update. |
See what’s out of date at a glance
- Badges on tiles. Each app with an update shows the new version number. Aliases of the app show it too, wherever you placed them.
- Updates Available. A ready-made Smart Folder gathers every app with an update and empties itself as you install them.
- App Info. The update source and the installed version are listed in App Info for every app.
Your schedule
Choose how often LaunchingPad checks in Settings → App Updates: every 6 hours, daily, every 3 days or weekly. Check Now runs a check straight away. Settings → Apps lists the folders LaunchingPad scans for apps and how many levels of subfolders it looks into, so apps kept outside /Applications are covered too.
LaunchingPad keeps itself current the same way, with built-in updates and a short What’s New note after each one.
Questions
How do I check which Mac apps need updates?
Open LaunchingPad. Every app with a newer version shows a badge with that version on its tile, and the Updates Available Smart Folder lists them all. To check right away, use Check Now in Settings → App Updates.
Which apps can LaunchingPad check?
Mac App Store apps, apps installed with Homebrew Cask, and apps that update themselves with Sparkle. Apps with no update source it can read are left alone rather than guessed at.
Does LaunchingPad install updates for me?
It starts the right update for each app. Homebrew casks and Microsoft apps update after you confirm, apps that update themselves hand over to their own updater, and Mac App Store apps open in the App Store. Apple’s own apps open Software Update.
How often does it check?
Every 6 hours, daily, every 3 days or weekly, whichever you choose in Settings → App Updates.