What macOS Version and Setup Does TopNotch Require?

Updated

TopNotch requires macOS 11.0 (Big Sur) or newer. That is the only system requirement stated on the app's page. Beyond the OS version, the app is built for Macs that have a notch in the display, and it also works with multiple displays and spaces. No other hardware requirements are listed.

Requirements at a glance

Requirement Detail
macOS version macOS 11.0 or newer
Intended hardware Macs with a notch in the display
Multiple displays Supported
Spaces Supported
Other hardware requirements None stated on the page

What each requirement means for you

macOS 11.0 or newer

Check your version under → About This Mac. If you are on macOS 11 or later, you meet the stated requirement. If you are on an older release, the app is not described as compatible, so you would need to update first.

A Mac with a notch

TopNotch's purpose is to make the menu bar black and hide the notch, so the feature only makes sense on a display that actually has one. On a Mac without a notch, there is nothing for the app to hide.

Multiple displays and spaces

The app is documented to work well across multiple displays and spaces, so connecting an external monitor or switching desktops does not break the effect. It also stays in the background and watches for wallpaper changes, so you do not need to keep a window open.

Setup notes worth knowing before you download

  • Dynamic wallpapers are supported. If you use macOS Dynamic Desktop wallpapers, TopNotch is stated to work with them.
  • Round corners is optional. Enabling it adds rounded corners to your wallpaper; it is a setting, not a requirement.
  • The download is listed as free. The page shows a "Download for free" option. No pricing details beyond that are provided, and no account or login requirement is mentioned.

Quick check before installing

  1. Open → About This Mac and confirm macOS 11.0 or later.
  2. Confirm your Mac's display has a notch (the app's core function depends on it).
  3. Download from the official site and launch the app; it runs in the background, so look for it in the menu bar rather than expecting a main window.

If all three checks pass, your setup meets everything the page states. If your Mac runs an older macOS version, updating the OS is the prerequisite step before TopNotch can be used.