Cue is a macOS productivity application that automates system Focus modes, site blocking, and break timers based on headphone connection and ear-detection status.
What the product does and how it is positioned
Cue is a utility designed for Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 14 or later that links productivity sessions to headphone usage. When compatible headphones are inserted or connected, the software automatically toggles macOS Focus modes, restricts distracting websites, and requests specified applications to quit.
Taking headphones out initiates a configurable break period following a short grace period. The app embeds session timers, media controls, audio indicators, and animated companion characters into the camera notch without keeping an icon in the Dock.
Source-supported ways to use the product
Enabling macOS Focus modes and site restrictions immediately upon wearing or plugging in headphones.
Closing distracting applications and blocking custom or preset social, video, and news websites during work.
Automating break timers between 5 and 60 minutes whenever headphones are removed for extended intervals.
The documented workflow, where available
Placing AirPods in ears or connecting other headphones triggers macOS Focus mode, starts the timer, and blocks sites.
Taking headphones off activates a 10-second grace period before stopping Focus mode, unblocking sites, and starting a break timer.
Review daily focused hours against targets, check current streak status, and inspect session history from the last seven days.
Cue houses its controls inside the MacBook camera notch, expanding on cursor hover and allowing users to pin the display without opening a separate window or showing a Dock icon.
The notch view integrates active media playback controls, notification alerts, per-app audio volume adjustments, microphone mute shortcuts, and battery indicators for connected AirPods.
Checks to run with your own material and workflow
What was checked and when
Answers based on the source-checked product record
Cue supports Apple Silicon Macs running macOS version 14 or higher. It is packaged as a macOS disk image for local installation.
AirPods are not required. While AirPods detect when buds are placed into or removed from ears, other headphones initiate and end sessions upon connection.
Cue operates completely on-device without requiring user accounts, telemetry, or analytics, keeping all configuration and session data stored on the Mac.
The software is not yet notarized by Apple, which causes macOS Gatekeeper to require manual authorization in Privacy and Security settings before launch.
Yes. Users can add custom comma-separated website lists alongside preset filters, specify apps to quit, and adjust break lengths between 5 and 60 minutes.
