A method and an apparatus are provided for executing applications. Based on receiving a first user input, a first window comprising number keys is displayed. Based on a second user input selecting one of the number keys, the first window and a second window are displayed together. The second window includes a list of applications, each represented by an icon image and an application name. Based on an application being selected from a list of applications, the selected application is mapped to the selected number key and an icon image corresponding to the selected application is included in the selected number key. After the selected application is mapped, a third user input is received corresponding to the selected number key. In response to receiving the third user input, a first function is performed associated with the selected application based on a duration of the third user input.