Live content stays persistent while short alerts can enter, dismiss, and restore cleanly.
Native macOS utility / Open source / Latest release: March 19, 2026
Turn the MacBook notch into a living system surface.
DynamicNotch brings Dynamic Island-inspired interactions to the Mac with live activities, temporary alerts, and a custom notch HUD for brightness, volume, and keyboard backlight.
macOS 14.6+
SwiftUI + AppKit
GPL-3.0
Built for notched MacBooks
First launch may need Open Anyway in macOS Privacy & Security because the app is not yet signed with a paid Apple Developer certificate.
Control launch at login, display target, notch dimensions, stroke, and per-feature toggles.
What's new
Highlights from version 1.0.1
- Native Settings window with General, Live Activity, Temporary, and About sections.
- Custom notch HUD for volume, brightness, and keyboard backlight changes.
- Improved handling for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, VPN, Focus, Battery, Lock Screen, and Now Playing.
- Album artwork can now shape the Now Playing visual treatment.
- Optional lock and unlock sounds plus a debug panel for debug builds.
- AirDrop was removed from this release to keep the build more stable and focused.
Source
Build it, inspect it, extend it.
DynamicNotch is open source and organized into application, core, feature, shared UI, and test layers. If you want to inspect the architecture or ship your own tweaks, the repository is ready for it.
git clone https://github.com/jackson-storm/DynamicNotch.git
cd DynamicNotch
open DynamicNotch.xcodeproj
FAQ
Everything people ask before trying DynamicNotch.
Quick answers about compatibility, installation, app signing, and building from source.
Do I need a MacBook with a hardware notch?
Yes. DynamicNotch is designed around notched MacBook displays, so that hardware layout gives the intended placement, spacing, and motion.
Why does macOS warn me when I open the app?
The current DMG is unsigned, so macOS may block the first launch. Open it once from Applications, then use Open Anyway in Privacy & Security if the system asks.
What macOS version do I need?
The project currently targets macOS 14.6 or later. For source builds, the repo recommends Xcode 15+.
Can I build it from source instead of downloading the DMG?
Yes. The GitHub repository is open source, and the page already links to the clone command, project file, and release notes if you want to inspect or modify the app yourself.
Can I customize how DynamicNotch looks and behaves?
Yes. The app includes native settings for launch at login, display target, notch dimensions, stroke styling, and feature-level toggles so you can tune the experience to your setup.
Where should I report bugs or request features?
Use the GitHub issues page linked in the Source section. That is the best place to report regressions, discuss ideas, or track release work.