QuartzNotch 0.3 Alpha 3

QuartzNotch 0.3 is a major update that brings a redesigned settings experience, new Lock Screen features, more customization options, and a large number of visual and stability improvements.

What’s New

• The Settings window has been completely redesigned from the ground up, with a clearer structure and a cleaner interface.
• Live Activities now work on the Lock Screen, including the music player and active timers.
• The currently playing album artwork can now be expanded fullscreen on the Lock Screen.
• Pages can now be reordered freely, so you can arrange QuartzNotch exactly the way you want.
• The app icon now adapts automatically to your Mac’s Light or Dark appearance.
• A new optional app icon has been added.
• The Calendar module has been fully redesigned to be clearer, cleaner, and easier to use.
• The camera preview can now be clicked to take a photo, with customizable behavior.
• Content is now easier to read when using Liquid Glass mode.
• GitHub bug report forms have been simplified to make feedback easier to submit.

Improvements

• Improved layout stability across different MacBook sizes.
• Improved Lock Screen media presentation and album artwork behavior.
• Improved Live Activity animations, transitions, and interruption handling.
• Improved Calendar event styling and readability.
• Improved spacing, alignment, clipping, and rendering across the interface.
• Improved update packaging and Sparkle update metadata.

Fixes

• Fixed many visual glitches and layout inconsistencies.
• Fixed several clipping issues in the open notch.
• Fixed multiple Live Activity transition issues.
• Fixed Calendar readability issues in Liquid Glass mode.
• Fixed various minor bugs across settings, media controls, timers, and page layouts.

And much more.

QuartzNotch v0.2

This release focuses on major UX polish, live activity upgrades, and better daily usability.

Highlights

• Added a new Semi Liquid Glass background style option.
• Reworked many notch/live-activity animations for a smoother, more premium feel.
• Improved the Media page UX and interaction flow.
• Upgraded the File Tray experience (visual and interaction improvements for better day-to-day use).
• Added a new Focus Mode live activity.
• Enhanced Timer live activity behavior:
  • Better expanded controls
  • Support for mirroring the macOS Clock timer
  • End-of-timer alert improvements (sound + notch/trackpad haptic behavior)
• Improved Clipboard Manager usability:
  • Single click can now insert/paste a clipboard item.
• Improved handling/layout of dual live activities.
• Updated Battery live activity with adaptive color behavior (e.g. low battery / low power context).
• Added Now Playing edge quick actions:
  • Left hover: opens a sneak peek of the current track
  • Right hover: quick pause/play control
• Added many additional bug fixes and stability improvements.

QuartzNotch Alpha 0.1

First public alpha of QuartzNotch, a refined fork of BoringNotch focused on smoother interactions, cleaner live activities, and a more adaptive notch experience.

Highlights

• More compact notch with dynamic width based on content
• New page navigation system, smoother and more intuitive
• New toolbar capsule for quick access to key actions
• Animated lock screen live activity
• Unified music handling (no provider selection needed)
• New shelf live activity with file count
• New live activity timer
• Expandable Bluetooth devices live activity
• Support for displaying two live activities at once
• Third page with quick timers and clipboard manager
• Revamped charging live activity
• Improved settings, including a dedicated Live Activities category
• Updated track skip animation inspired by iOS Dynamic Island
• Global animation overhaul for a more fluid experience
• Slight notch shape refinements
• Better default options out of the box

Notes

• This is an alpha build and may still contain bugs or rough edges.
• The app is not signed with an Apple Developer certificate. On first launch, macOS may require allowing it in System Settings > Privacy & Security.