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The MacBook’s camera housing is fixed hardware, but it does not have to be only an empty strip around the camera. macOS can keep app content below the housing when it would otherwise be obscured; separate third-party utilities can use the area for quick controls and glanceable information. Which approach fits depends on whether you want a display adjustment or features such as media controls, a file shelf, notes, or timers.
What the MacBook camera housing does—and what macOS can change
Apple calls the cutout in the display bezel the camera housing. It appears on MacBook Air models with Liquid Retina displays and MacBook Pro models with Liquid Retina XDR displays. The housing itself is part of the display; macOS does not turn it into an interactive screen.
If an app’s controls or menu-bar items are obscured, Apple documents a per-app option called Scale to fit below built-in camera. It adjusts that app’s active display area so its windows and menu bar appear below the housing. To use it, open Finder, select the app in Applications, choose File > Get Info, and select the checkbox in the app’s information window. Apple notes that an app update designed for compatibility can make this option disappear because it is no longer needed. See Apple’s instructions for adjusting an app below the camera area.
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This setting is a workaround for display layout, not a way to add controls to the notch. As Apple puts it, “Apps can be updated to work better with this area of your screen.” Apple’s guidance does not endorse third-party notch utilities.
#1 Best Overall
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What third-party notch utilities can add
Utilities in this category use software interfaces near the camera housing to surface controls or information. Depending on the app, that may include media playback, clipboard history, timers, quick notes, weather, system metrics, or a place to stage files. The descriptions below are claims on the developers’ or App Store pages, not results of independent testing.
NotchThings: a broad dashboard
Its US App Store listing describes a customizable dashboard with media controls, system metrics, notes, todos, clipboard history, weather, timers, AI usage tracking, an AirDrop shelf, and camera preview. The listing also mentions a teleprompter. Check the current listing for availability and requirements before installing.
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Notchy: controls and developer-oriented features
The developer’s Notchy page describes media controls, clipboard tools, timers, HUDs, message and notification features, shell activity, and a local developer API that is off by default. The page reported version 1.0.178 and an update date of September 25, 2026; version, compatibility, and features can change, so verify the live page and app details.
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The Dynamic Notch site describes a control-center-style interface and lists macOS 14.6 or later, Apple Silicon, and a $5.99 one-time price. These are changeable developer-reported details from the page reviewed; confirm the current requirements and price on the site before making a decision.
Rank #3
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Top Notch: widgets and multiple-display claims
The developer site says Top Notch supports multiple displays and Dynamic Desktop wallpapers. Its Canadian App Store listing describes widgets for media, weather, clipboard, YouTube, Pomodoro, calendar, battery, shortcuts, quick notes, activity feed, lyrics, and HUD replacement. Verify which features and display behaviors are currently available for your setup.
How to choose an app for your Mac
Start with the task you want to make quicker, rather than the longest feature list. A file shelf, media control, timer, or compact status view solves a different problem from a broad widget dashboard. The product pages describe different combinations, but they do not establish which app is fastest, safest, best designed, or best value.
Rank #4
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- Match the feature to a real routine. If you mainly move files, look for a shelf. If you want glanceable controls, check media and system-status features. For occasional reference, consider notes, weather, or timers.
- Check your Mac and macOS version. Confirm the app’s current compatibility requirements and whether it works only with a physical notch or also with displays without one. Do not assume that a feature listed on a product page applies to every model.
- Look at how the interface behaves. Find out how it opens and closes, where it appears, and whether it could cover menu-bar items or interfere with work. Product descriptions alone may not answer these questions.
- Review permissions and privacy disclosures. Features involving notifications, messages, accessibility, or clipboard contents may require access to sensitive data. Read the current permission prompts and the developer’s privacy information before granting access.
- Confirm the current price and payment model. Prices and terms can change; check the current developer or App Store page rather than relying on an older description.
Because the available product descriptions are not independent tests, treat claims about performance, reliability, and ease of use as unverified until you can assess them for your own workflow.
Can you add Dynamic Island features to a Mac?
Some utilities borrow the idea of a compact, expandable control area, but that does not make a MacBook notch equivalent to the iPhone’s Dynamic Island. The Mac camera housing is part of the display, and the extra interactions described here come from separate software. What appears, how it behaves, and which Mac models it supports depend on the individual utility.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
