A macOS-inspired approach to managing portable Linux applications

The Linux ecosystem just got a sleek new tool for managing AppImages. AppManager v3.0.0 has been released, bringing a fresh, intuitive approach to installing, updating, and managing AppImage applications on Linux desktops.

What Makes AppManager Stand Out?

Developed in Vala with GTK/Libadwaita, AppManager introduces a macOS-style drag-and-drop installation experience to Linux. Simply double-click any .AppImage file, and a familiar installation window appears—just drag to install. The app handles everything else: moving the file to the proper location, creating desktop entries, and copying icons.

Key Features
  • Seamless Auto-Updates: Background automatic updates work like Android or iOS, keeping your apps current without manual intervention
  • Efficient Delta Updates: Leverages zsync for bandwidth-efficient updates—only download what's changed
  • Universal Format Support: Handles both SquashFS and DwarFS AppImage formats
  • Self-Managing: Yes, AppManager can update itself—a meta solution that actually works
  • Lightweight & Fast: Written in Vala with no Python dependencies, resulting in a smaller footprint
  • Smart Integration: Automatically creates desktop entries and integrates with your system's app launcher

Installation Philosophy

By default, AppManager installs applications to ~/Applications, though this location is customizable. The tool bundles 7z, dwarfs, and zsync2 for maximum compatibility, ensuring it can handle any AppImage version you throw at it.

How It Compares

While tools like Gear Lever have been the go-to for AppImage management, AppManager differentiates itself through:
  • Distribution as an AppImage (no Flatpak runtime dependencies)
  • Background auto-updates rather than manual update checks
  • Faster performance with compiled Vala code
  • Unique macOS-inspired installation flow
  • Community Reception

Get Started

AppManager is available now on GitHub as—appropriately enough—an AppImage. Whether you're managing a handful of portable apps or maintaining a full suite of AppImages, this tool brings much-needed polish to the AppImage ecosystem.

For Linux users who've envied macOS's simple application management, AppManager bridges that gap while maintaining the flexibility and portability that makes AppImages valuable in the first place.

AppManager v3.0.0 is open source and available for download today. The project represents a growing effort to make Linux desktop application management more accessible and user-friendly.