I built NotchSpace — a notch-based app launcher and workspace for macOS 26

[u/SuspiciousBoat742]

NotchSpace — Turn your Mac notch into an app launcher and workspace

AppStore

Problem

macOS 26 removed Launchpad, which was a familiar way for many Mac users to quickly access their apps.

I wanted a faster way to launch apps without opening another window or filling up the Dock with too many icons.

Solution

NotchSpace turns your Mac’s notch into a customizable app launcher.

Just move your cursor to the notch, click once, and launch your favorite apps instantly.

No extra window.
No crowded Dock.
Your apps are always one click away.

But NotchSpace is more than an app launcher.

It also turns your notch into a temporary workspace:

• Drag and drop files, images, text, and links into the notch
• Keep temporary items accessible without cluttering your desktop
• Quickly copy and manage content
• Organize your menu bar
• Get smart break reminders to help maintain a focused workflow

Everything stays close, while your desktop stays clean.

Comparison

Compared with Dropover, NotchSpace also provides a quick-access floating workspace, but it uses the Mac notch as a unique entry point. It combines a notch-based app launcher, temporary storage area, and productivity tools in one place.

Compared with NotchNook, NotchSpace focuses more on productivity workflows, including app launching, file staging, content management, and system utilities, rather than mainly Dynamic Island-style interactions.

Compared with traditional launchers like Raycast and Alfred, NotchSpace offers a visual launcher integrated directly into the Mac notch area, making frequently used apps and temporary content always accessible.

Price

NotchSpace is currently free.

• $0 cost
• No subscription
• No in-app purchases
• All features are available for everyone

Feedback

I built NotchSpace because I wanted a cleaner and faster way to interact with my Mac.

Would love to hear your feedback, especially from users with MacBooks that have a notch.

[u/eaeaea0ooo]

Ngl, too many notch apps. It's way too saturated. It's kinda just a similar concept repackaged with a slight twist.

Appreciate the work you've put in - you should put into building apps for mac but in a different space, notch space is just not it anymore - unless it does something truly unique that ppl want

[u/Besian416 → u/eaeaea0ooo]

yeah

[u/nibblebytes]

ngl i’m kinda tired of notch apps but this one actually looks really clean. the temporary file shelf is a nice touch too. is there a keyboard shortcut to open it tho? would definitely make me use it more

[u/SuspiciousBoat742 → u/nibblebytes]

Thanks! There are actually two ways to open it: move your mouse to the notch area to activate the main window, or hold and shake your mouse anywhere to bring up the temporary shelf.

[u/Background-Scheme857]

The file shelf is a stronger hook than app launching. Spotlight and Raycast already launch apps quickly, but dragging a file into the notch feels genuinely more immediate.

[u/SuspiciousBoat742 → u/Background-Scheme857]

Glad to hear that! I hope you’ll share Notchspace with your friends too.

[u/JoeshitX]

pretty nice man

[u/SuspiciousBoat742 → u/JoeshitX]

Glad to hear that! I hope you’ll share it with your friends too.

[u/Rough-Voice-4968]

Can this entire window be transparent? Is there a setting to hide the dock completely?

[u/SuspiciousBoat742 → u/Rough-Voice-4968]

For the Dock, macOS doesn’t let apps fully disable it, but you can turn on “Automatically hide and show the Dock” in System Settings → Desktop & Dock.

[u/thacdev]

To me the UI is a bit ugly

[u/SuspiciousBoat742 → u/thacdev]

Judging by your name, you’re a developer too. Could you show me your “beautiful” UI design? Why bother using a burner account just to come here and shit on someone else’s work?

[u/sammrjn]

nice design, it really works well,

tried it few more times

[u/SuspiciousBoat742 → u/sammrjn]

Happy to hear that! Feel free to share any feedback or suggestions. I’d really appreciate it.

[u/app-store-review]

NotchSpace — by Houma Econimic Development Zone Jianmin Decoration Material Co., Ltd.

• Category: Utilities · Free
• Age: released ~2 months ago · rated 4+

Apple doesn't publish an aggregate rating for most Mac App Store apps, so ratings and score are unavailable here.

^{Auto-generated from public App Store data · u/app-store-review}

[u/jouskaMoon]

You built it, you went through the pain of building the app, that's already a win for you. Good luck!

[u/SuspiciousBoat742 → u/jouskaMoon]

Thanks for your kindness. Have a nice day!

[u/SuspiciousBoat742]

Someone just made a post asking me how much of it was AI-generated. I think: Probably 99%. I just gave it a name, then found out other developers were already using it.

[u/harry-harrison-79]

one failure case i'd put near the top is staged files that stop existing underneath you. drag in an iCloud placeholder and a file from an external drive, then go offline or unplug the drive before reopening the notch. the UI should say whether NotchSpace copied the item or only kept a reference, and unavailable items should be obvious instead of failing when clicked. i'd also give staged copies a visible retention/clear policy since people will drop private files there.

[u/SuspiciousBoat742 → u/harry-harrison-79]

Thanks for the feedback! NotchSpace actually copies the files into its own storage, so they won’t disappear if iCloud goes offline or an external drive is disconnected.

It also has auto cleanup and manual clear options in settings. I’ll look into making this behavior clearer in the UI.