macOS changes removed support for separate browser-profile launchers

In recent macOS versions, certain system changes have removed the ability for browsers to offer separate launchers or Dock icons for different profiles. Chrome and Edge both used to support this, and Safari has never offered it.

This used to be incredibly helpful for productivity and keeping work and personal browsing separate. Each profile could have its own icon, its own window setup, and its own place in Mission Control.

Now, the system does not allow browsers to create separate launch points in a reliable way. Workarounds like using Automator are inconsistent and do not behave like true profile launchers.

This feels like a step backward for those of us who depend on multiple profiles. It would be great if macOS supported a way for apps to offer profile-specific launch options again.

Is anyone else experiencing this limitation? I’d appreciate hearing from others who rely on multiple profiles.

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 26.1

Posted on Dec 3, 2025 4:55 AM

21 replies

dialabrain

Level 10

135,521 points

Dec 3, 2025 7:11 AM in response to StoneWorks_Tech

I have no idea why it's better to have multiple icons in the Dock per profile that have a profile browser that launches from one icon. 🤷‍♂️

dialabrain

Level 10

135,521 points

Dec 3, 2025 9:30 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Thanks, but that's not exactly what I meant. I meant multiple icons for the same browser with different icons for different profiles. But the OP explained his need/desire.

Dec 3, 2025 9:32 AM in response to dialabrain

dialabrain wrote:

Thanks, but that's not exactly what I meant.

And, as I said, that's what my brother figured out, much to my surprise.

dialabrain

Level 10

135,521 points

Dec 3, 2025 9:37 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Hmmm. You can't have multiple icons of the same browser with different profiles in the Dock. Or is that what your brother figured out? Sometimes I'm a little dense. 🤔

dialabrain

Level 10

135,521 points

Dec 3, 2025 10:26 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

IdrisSeabright wrote:

And, of course, you've never wandered off into the weeds....

Of course I have. I just didn't realize until too late that's what you were doing. As I said, I can be dense. 🤣

Dec 3, 2025 9:21 AM in response to dialabrain

dialabrain wrote:

I have no idea why it's better to have multiple icons in the Dock

My luddite brother figured out how to do it. Surprised the heck out of me. He has trouble opening up more than one Excel file at a time but that he has down. Go figure.

I use Safari for personal and Chrome for work (there are reasons). So, I get two different icons.

macOS changes removed support for separate browser-profile launchers