Notch-based workspace
Crest turns the MacBook notch into a floating hub that appears when needed and hides away when you are done, so the area above the screen can hold useful information instead of staying empty.
Crest
Crest is a macOS app that turns a notch-equipped MacBook’s notch into a compact hub for Now Playing, dashboard widgets, clipboard history, and other utility modules. A free version is available, with Crest Pro adding additional planning, system, developer, and translation tools.
Overview
Crest is a Mac notch app that uses the notch area on MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models with a notch as a compact surface for everyday tools and information. It places modules such as Now Playing, calendar, tasks, system stats, screen time, translation, and a dashboard directly in the notch.
The product is built for macOS 14 Sonoma or later and is offered as a universal app for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. Crest is free to use, while Crest Pro is a one-time upgrade priced at $19.99 that unlocks the remaining modules and includes free updates for life.
Key features
Free modules
The free tier includes Now Playing with album art and lyrics, a glanceable dashboard, a drag-and-drop shelf, and clipboard history.
Planning and focus tools
Pro unlocks additional modules for planning and focus, including calendar, day progress, todo, notes, and pomodoro.
System and device modules
Pro also adds live system and device utilities such as system monitor, screen time, Bluetooth, and launcher.
Developer and AI modules
The app includes developer and AI-oriented modules such as code hosting, AI coding, quick AI, and on-device translation.
Modern macOS support
Crest is designed for macOS 14 Sonoma or later and is available as a universal build for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
Common use cases
Daily glance work
Use the free modules to keep music playback, clipboard history, and a simple dashboard visible without opening separate windows.
Planning and focus
Add calendar, todo, notes, and pomodoro modules if you want the notch to act as a lightweight planning area during focused work sessions.
System checks at a glance
Monitor screen time, battery-related device activity, Bluetooth, or broader system status from the notch while working.
Developer workflow
Use the launcher, code hosting, AI coding, and quick AI modules when you want quick access to development and AI-oriented tools without leaving the current app.
Private utility access
Keep translation and other on-device utilities close at hand when you need occasional language or reference help during regular Mac use.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Turns the unused notch area into an active hub for at-a-glance tools.
- Includes a useful free tier with Now Playing, dashboard, shelf, and clipboard history.
- Uses a simple one-time purchase model for Pro with free updates for life.
- Supports both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs as a universal macOS app.
- Keeps on-device functionality private for supported features such as Now Playing and translation.
Cons
- The site does not provide detailed compatibility beyond macOS 14 Sonoma or later and notch-equipped MacBook models.
- Several modules are reserved for Crest Pro, so the free version covers only part of the app's full feature set.
- The page does not describe collaboration or team workflows.
FAQ
What Macs does Crest support?
Crest is designed for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models that have a notch. The site says macOS 14 Sonoma or later is required.
How do you install and start using it?
The site says installation is simple: download Crest, drag it to Applications, and open it. Free use starts immediately, and Pro can be unlocked later from inside the app.
What is included in Free versus Pro?
Crest includes free modules such as Now Playing, a dashboard, shelf, and clipboard history. Crest Pro adds the remaining modules, including calendar, todo, notes, pomodoro, system monitor, screen time, Bluetooth, launcher, code hosting, AI coding, quick AI, and on-device translation.
How is Crest Pro licensed?
The pricing page states that Crest Pro is a one-time purchase, includes free updates for life, can be used on up to 2 Macs, and activates once before working offline.
Is Crest built for teams?
The site presents Crest as a personal Mac app and does not describe any team management, shared workspace, or collaboration features.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Productivity
- Platform
- macOS 14 Sonoma or later
- Mac support
- Universal app for Apple Silicon and Intel
- Primary use
- Notch-based hub for Now Playing, dashboard, and utility modules
- Pricing
- Free version; Pro is a one-time $19.99 purchase
- Website
- crestnotch.app
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