A new Mac app is bringing one of the iPhone Duo’s distinctive visual effects to MacBook users. Called Mac Duo, the software recreates the foldable iPhone’s opening and closing animation using a MacBook’s lid movement.
The project remains under development. However, users with several recent MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models can already try the effect for free.
Mac Duo Turns the Hinge Into a Visual Control
Mac Duo links screen animation to the physical movement of a MacBook lid. As users close the computer, content on the display begins to blur and move. The effect mirrors the animation shown when folding an iPhone Duo.
Meanwhile, opening the lid reverses the animation. The app also includes several additional visual styles that can bend, blur or make screen content disappear as the lid moves.
There is one limitation. If users completely close the MacBook, they must reopen it far enough to reach the password and Touch ID screen. That interrupts the smooth visual effect.
Which MacBooks Support Mac Duo?
Hardware support depends largely on the lid sensors available inside each MacBook. The developer expects Mac Duo to work on the M2 MacBook Air and newer models. It should also support 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros with M1 Pro or M1 Max chips and later.
However, the M1 MacBook Air and 13-inch M1 or M2 MacBook Pro are not supported. Intel Macs without the required lid sensor also cannot run the effect. An untested Intel Preview version is available.
Free and Open-Source, but Not Notarized
The developer describes Mac Duo as fully open-source and free to download. However, Apple Silicon Macs may initially block the application because Apple has not notarized it.
Users who trust the software can approve it through macOS Privacy & Security settings.
Ultimately, Mac Duo does not add essential functionality. Instead, it turns a simple MacBook hinge movement into an interactive visual experience inspired by the iPhone Duo.
