TrackNotch

LLM usage tracking that lives in your Mac's notch

MacDeveloper ToolsGitHubOpen Source

▲ 86 votes13 commentsLaunched May 29, 2026

Visit Website

Daily #12Weekly #91

TrackNotch is a native macOS app that shows Claude, OpenAI, Cursor, and Codex usage right in your notch. Context arc, budget tracking, rate limits and all local. No proxies, no telemetry, nothing leaves your machine. Free and open-source.

AI Analysis

📝 Summary

TrackNotch is a free, open-source native macOS app that displays real-time LLM usage (Claude, OpenAI, Cursor, Codex) directly in the Mac's notch. Core features include context arc visualization, budget tracking, rate limit monitoring - all processed locally with zero telemetry, proxies or data leaving the device. It solves key pain points for developers: constant context-switching to check AI service dashboards, managing multiple subscriptions and limits, and privacy risks from third-party trackers. The value proposition is seamless, glanceable, private monitoring that integrates natively into the desktop workflow without disrupting productivity.

📈 Market Timing

With explosive growth in LLM adoption and developers using multiple AI services simultaneously in 2025-2026, timing is favorable. Rising AI costs make budget tracking essential, while privacy regulations and user demand for local-first tools are increasing. Mac ecosystem continues to expand among developers. Excellent Timing.

✅ Feasibility

High. Technical implementation as a lightweight native macOS app with local processing is straightforward and already demonstrated. Very low development and operation costs as an open-source project. No supply chain, minimal compliance risks due to zero data collection. Excellent scalability for a simple desktop utility. Main risk is maintaining compatibility with OS updates and new LLM APIs.

🎯 Target Market

Primary users: Mac-based software developers, AI/ML engineers, and heavy LLM users (ages 25-40), concentrated in US, Europe, and tech hubs in Asia. Industries: Software development, AI research, indie hacking. TAM for developer productivity tools ~$10B+, SAM for AI usage trackers ~$500M, SOM for Mac notch utilities ~50K-200K potential users. Core pains: fragmented usage monitoring across providers and privacy concerns. High willingness to support via donations/sponsorships despite being free.

⚔️ Competition

Low. Direct competitors: 1. OpenAI Usage Dashboard (platform.openai.com/usage), 2. Anthropic Console (console.anthropic.com), 3. Cursor AI built-in usage tools (cursor.com), 4. General menu bar monitors like iStat Menus (bjango.com). Advantages: unique notch integration for glanceable access, fully local/privacy-first, aggregates multiple LLMs, completely free/open-source. Disadvantages: Mac-only, limited to listed services, relies on community maintenance. Strong differentiation through native OS integration and zero-data-leak design.

Upgrade Pro to unlock full AI analysis