Apple introduced the notch to its iPhone X smartphone screens in 2017 and has continued to add similar features to its MacBook Pro and MacBook Air laptops screens in recent years.
These notches are the same as the reason for the screen. They free up more screen space, while still leaving room for the ambient light sensor and webcam.
This is not something that we are used to seeing on laptop screens. However, Apple continues to support it despite the fact that some users may find it difficult. It may be a little distracting if you have one of these machines.
You don't need to keep the MacBook display notch as Apple designed it. Third-party apps let you hide or modify the notch that is built into macOS.
To hide the notch, you can put your apps into full-screen mode by clicking the green button at the top left corner.
The black bar will appear across the top of your display including the notch. The black bar also hides the menu icons and menu bar icons. To see them (and the rest of the screen), you will need to hover your cursor over the top.
This is a great way to watch movies and shows without being distracted by the notch. To exit full-screen mode, move the cursor to the top of your screen and click the green button once more.
The background of macOS' menu bar is determined by the desktop wallpaper you have selected. The system will use a lighter wallpaper to make the notch more visible. If you choose a darker wallpaper, the menu bar will turn black to make the notch stand out.
To choose your wallpaper, open the Apple menu and select System Preferences. Once you have selected an image, the system will apply the background to your screen. You can see the effect in the menu bar.
You should be cautious when selecting dynamic wallpapers that change with time. The notch might return if their colors change. Although it does limit the options for the background of your MacBook, you might consider it worth it if it disappears completely.
A few third-party apps can hide the MacBook notch by making the menu bar solid black. The notch won't be hidden, but you will still have access to your shortcut icons and menu options.
Forehead is one such utility. It is free to use but you can and should donate if you find it helpful. You can also create rounded borders around the corners of your display by opening a control panel. This option will allow you to create more separation between your workspace area and the menu.
TopNotch is another option. TopNotch is free and has a toggle switch that allows you to change between transparent and solid black top strips. This will hide the notch. TopNotch allows you to create "rounded corners" effects for your display. However, the dimensions of these corners are not customizable like they are in Forehead.
Notchmeister is an app that allows you to embrace the notch in your MacBook, but not too plainly. This utility is free and can be used to add fun effects or customizations to your notch. It will also provide a distraction from work.
Once the app is up and running you will be able to choose from five effects that activate when the mouse moves underneath or around the notch. We won't reveal too many details, but the first keeps your cursor away of the notch while the second shows where it is underneath the notch.
You can choose to not have Notchmeister run in the dock as a standard program. To do this, click the checkbox on Notchmeister's dialog screen.
