Skip to main content

Rocket: Launch Dock apps and recent apps from the MacBook Pro Touch Bar [Video]

Earlier this week we showcased a new MacBook Pro Touch Bar app called TouchSwitcher that allowed users to easily switch between running apps via shortcuts in the Touch Bar. Another recently launched app, called Rocket, employs a similar method for fast app switching, but features a few key differences.

The main difference between Rocket and TouchSwitcher is that Rocket is a standalone menu bar app that’s invoked via a keyboard shortcut. This makes it possible to launch Rocket from anywhere on your Mac.

Whereas TouchSwitcher runs in the Touch Bar’s Control Strip, Rocket is its own app that appears when accessed via its keyboard shortcut. The result is a less native-feeling experience when compared to TouchSwitcher, but the advantage is that the app is never superseded by media controls as a result of being nestled inside of the Control Strip.

Rocket video walkthrough

Subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for more hands-on videos

Another big advantage of Rocket is the fact that you can launch any app that’s found in your MacBook Pro’s dock, not just in-use apps. This can be accomplished via a special shortcut button found in the Touch Bar.

Rocket is available as a free download outside of the Mac App Store, but the developer is gladly accepting donations for his work. The two apps are definitely similar, but there are some fundamental differences between Rocket and Touch Switcher. Which one to choose will boil down to personal preferences.

What do you think about Rocket? If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our full video walkthrough of TouchSwitcher in order to compare the two.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Jeff Benjamin Jeff Benjamin

Jeff is the head of video content production for 9to5. He initially joined 9to5Mac in 2016, producing videos, walkthroughs, how-tos, written tutorials, and reviews. He takes pride in explaining things simply, clearly, and concisely. Jeff’s videos have been watched hundreds of millions of times by people seeking to learn more about today’s tech. Subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube to catch Jeff’s latest videos.


Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications