The apple slices and applesauce start out the same, we basically puree the apple slices once they are cooked to create applesauce. You can add more sugar and spices at this time too based on how you like your applesauce.
We make smooth applesauce, chunky applesauce, low sugar applesauce and a sweet version that tastes like apple pie.
Another thing, we only use Honeycrisp Apples (we use #2 apples to lower the cost), we prefer the sweet and tart combination of flavors from Honeycrisp. The internet will show you the many apple types that work for sliced apples and applesauce.