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Which MacBooks have a notch, and do notch apps work on external monitors?
Apple added the notch, the black cutout that holds the FaceTime camera, to the MacBook Pro in 2021 and the MacBook Air in 2022. Not every Mac has one. Here's how to tell, and what notch apps do on Macs and displays without one.
MacBooks with a notch
| Model | Notch? |
|---|---|
| MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021 and later, M1 Pro/Max onward) | Yes |
| MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021 and later, M1 Pro/Max onward) | Yes |
| MacBook Air 13-inch (M2, 2022 and later) | Yes |
| MacBook Air 15-inch (2023 and later) | Yes |
| MacBook Air M1 (2020) and earlier | No |
| MacBook Pro 13-inch (all, including M1 and M2) | No |
| iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro | No |
| Any external display | No |
Not sure which model you have? Apple menu › About This Mac shows the model name and year. For brand-new models, check Apple's tech specs.
Why the notch exists
Apple shrank the bezels around the screen and extended the display up beside the camera. The notch is the part that couldn't become screen. The space on either side became extra room for the menu bar. That's why notched MacBooks have a slightly taller screen than older ones.
What happens with an external monitor
- Lid open, external display connected: each screen has its own menu bar. Only the built-in screen has a notch.
- Lid closed (clamshell mode): the built-in screen is off, so there's no notch anywhere. The external display's menu bar runs the full width.
- Desktop Macs: no notch at all.
Notch apps without a notch
This matters if you dock your MacBook for most of the day. A notch app that only works on the built-in screen does nothing while your lid is closed. Apps handle this in different ways:
- Floating island: a small pill at the top-center of any screen that expands when you hover. This is NotchDude's approach. NotchDude Pro can show it on every connected display, and the free plan uses one.
- Hover handle: NotchNook shows a small handle on non-notch screens.
- Per-monitor placement: DynamicLake Pro lets you choose which displays show it.
- Capsule in the menu bar: Bartender 6's Top Shelf feature shows a capsule in the middle of the menu bar on Macs without a notch.
- Notch required: Atoll only works on notched MacBooks.
Some users find a fake black notch on a big external monitor jarring. If that's you, look for an app whose non-notch mode is a subtle pill or handle rather than a black block. Then try it on your actual setup before you buy.
Tips for docked setups
- Choose the main display in System Settings › Displays (drag the menu bar in Arrange). Most notch apps start there.
- Check behaviour when you plug in or unplug. A good app moves to the right screen on its own.
FAQ
Does the MacBook Air M1 have a notch?
No. The M1 MacBook Air (2020) has a flat top bezel. The notch arrived on the MacBook Air with the M2 model in 2022.
Does the 13-inch MacBook Pro have a notch?
No. The 13-inch MacBook Pro, including the M1 and M2 versions, has no notch. The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models from 2021 onward do.
Do external monitors have a notch?
No. The notch is a cutout in the MacBook's built-in screen. An external display's menu bar runs across the full width.
Can I use a notch app with my lid closed?
Yes, if the app supports displays without a notch. NotchDude, NotchNook, DynamicLake Pro, and Alcove show a floating island or handle at the top of an external display.
A notch on every screen
NotchDude wraps around a real notch and shows a floating island everywhere else, including external monitors. Try it free.
macOS 14+ · Apple silicon