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Best Applications for MacBook in 2026

June 7, 2026·1 min read

Utilities

**Reclaim Mac** (Free) — Keep your MacBook clean and fast. Scans for junk files, caches, and old installers. Essential for maintaining storage on any MacBook.

**AppCleaner** (Free) — Completely uninstall apps with all associated files. Every MacBook should have this.

**Rectangle** (Free) — Window management with keyboard shortcuts. Snap windows to halves, quarters, thirds.

Productivity

**Raycast** (Free) — Spotlight replacement with plugins, clipboard history, and snippets. Massive productivity boost.

**Notion** (Free) — Notes, docs, databases, project management. Works offline too.

Reclaim Mac finds and removes junk files automatically.

Development

**Visual Studio Code** (Free) — Leading code editor with extensive plugin ecosystem.

**iTerm2** (Free) — Better terminal than built-in Terminal.app. Split panes, search, profiles.

Must-Have for Every MacBook

At minimum, install Reclaim Mac and AppCleaner for maintenance, Rectangle for window management, and Raycast for productivity. All free, all essential for the best MacBook experience.

Clean your Mac in 60 seconds

Lifetime license. Offline. No subscription.

Frequently Asked Questions

What apps should I install on a new MacBook?

Start with: Reclaim Mac (storage), AppCleaner (app removal), Rectangle (windows), Raycast (launcher).

Are these apps free?

Most essential MacBook apps are free. Only a few premium apps in our recommendations require payment.

Do these apps work on MacBook Air?

Yes. All listed apps work on MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and all Apple Silicon Macs.