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What is a notch app?

Notch and apps Published

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A notch app is a Mac utility that turns the area around the MacBook notch into a small panel of tools. You hover or click the notch, the panel opens, and it shows things like music controls, a clipboard list or a timer.

Why it matters

The notch is in the same place on every screen and always in view, so a panel there is quick to reach. The menu bar has little spare room, and a panel gives each tool space to show more than an icon can.

What it cannot do

The panel is drawn by the app on top of the screen. It does not change the camera hardware, and it does not add room to the menu bar. Some notch apps also copy the iPhone idea of a Dynamic Island.

How NotchStar fits

NotchStar is a notch app with ten tools: Home with Now Playing, Shelf, Clipboard, Calendar and Reminders, Quick Notes, Timers, Teleprompter, Mirror, System and Disk. It needs macOS 14 or later and costs $4 once. Prices as of 4 November 2026. On a Mac without a notch it draws a small floating pill instead.

The long form is what is a notch app, a plain English guide. To compare options, see the best Mac notch apps. Developers can read how the panel works under NSPanel.

Keep reading.

What is a notch app? A plain English guide
A notch app turns the dead space around the MacBook notch into a tiny control center. Here is how they work, what they do and what to watch for.
The best Mac notch apps in 2026, compared fairly
Compare thirteen Mac notch apps from their official pages, with prices, requirements, strengths, limits and who each one suits. Updated 4 November 2026.
What is the MacBook notch?
The notch is the cutout at the top of some MacBook screens that holds the camera. Here is what it is, which Macs have it and what it does to the menu bar.
What is hover intent?
Hover intent is a short delay before a hover opens something, so passing the pointer by does not trigger it. Learn how NotchStar tunes it at the notch.

More in Notch and apps.

What is the Dynamic Island?
The Dynamic Island is Apple's name for an interactive area at the top of the iPhone screen. Macs have a notch instead. Some notch apps imitate the effect.
What is a live activity?
A live activity is a small readout of something happening right now, such as a timer or a song. Learn the iPhone meaning and how notch apps use the term.
What is a file shelf?
A file shelf is a temporary place to park files while you work, then drag them out or send them. Learn how it differs from a folder and from AirDrop.
What is clipboard history?
Clipboard history is a list of the things you recently copied, so you can paste an older item again. Learn how it works on a Mac and what to watch for.
What is the Pomodoro technique?
The Pomodoro technique splits work into timed focus blocks with short breaks. Learn the basic pattern and how a Mac timer in the notch tracks it.
What is a teleprompter?
A teleprompter shows a scrolling script near the camera so you can read while looking at the lens. Learn how a notch teleprompter works on a Mac.
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