The invention discloses an application switching method and apparatus. The method comprises the steps of generating a shortcut key corresponding to a running application; if it is detected that the application runs in a foreground, hiding the shortcut key in a user interface; if it is detected that the application runs in a background, displaying the shortcut key in the user interface; and in the process of displaying the shortcut key in the user interface, if it is detected that a preset click operation event occurs for the shortcut key, switching the application to run in the foreground. According to the application switching method and apparatus, the shortcut key is generated for the running application, and when a user hopes to switch an application, the user can switch the application to the application corresponding to the shortcut key only by clicking the shortcut key; and therefore, quick switching between the applications is realized, the switching time is relatively short, the application switching process is simplified, and the application switching efficiency is improved.