Blenny

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Blenny is a free, open-source macOS utility application designed specifically for Apple silicon Macs running macOS 27. It functions as a system-level menu bar organizer, categorizing and managing the visibility of menu bar icons on a per-application basis.
2. Core Value Proposition: Blenny exists to solve macOS menu bar clutter by providing a structured, privacy-conscious, and non-intrusive method to manage icon visibility. Its core value is enabling users to maintain a clean, essential-only menu bar surface while retaining instant, on-demand access to secondary applications without requiring Screen Recording permissions or automated pointer manipulation.

Main Features

1. Three-Zone Depth Management: Blenny organizes apps into three distinct zones: Surface (0-3m, always visible), Reef (3-20m, revealed on click), and Deep (below 35m, always hidden). This spatial metaphor allows for granular control over which application icons are persistently displayed, temporarily accessible, or completely removed from the menu bar. It works per-application, ensuring all icons from a single app (e.g., a VPN's status and control icon) move together.
2. Draft-and-Apply Workflow with Undo: Changes to the menu bar layout are made in a draft state. Users can drag icons between the Surface, Reef, and Deep zones without affecting the live menu bar. The "Apply" action commits the changes. A one-step "Undo Changes" function completely reverts the last applied change, restoring both icon visibility and order, providing a safe and reversible configuration process.
3. Privacy-First, Security-Conscious Architecture: Blenny is engineered to operate without invasive system permissions. It never requests Screen Recording access, does not simulate mouse movements or clicks, and does not perform Command-drag automation. It uses a single-writer queue for changes with recovery records, fails closed if it detects external menu bar modifications, and delivers updates via the signed Sparkle framework with automatic checks disabled by default.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Chronic menu bar icon overload on macOS, where numerous background applications and utilities compete for limited space, leading to visual clutter, hidden essential icons, and user frustration. Traditional solutions often involve manual dragging (which can be buggy) or third-party tools requiring broad system permissions.
2. Target Audience: The primary user personas are productivity-focused professionals on Apple silicon Macs, including developers, designers, writers, and researchers who run multiple utility apps (e.g., calendar, weather, network monitors, music players) and value a minimalist, organized desktop environment. It also appeals to privacy-conscious users wary of granting Screen Recording access.
3. Use Cases: Essential for users who want their Wi-Fi, battery, and time management icons always visible (Surface), need periodic access to audio controls or messaging app statuses (Reef), and wish to permanently hide infrequently checked items like cryptocurrency tickers or hardware monitor stats (Deep). It is particularly useful on MacBook Pros with Notches or smaller screens where menu bar real estate is extremely limited.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike menu bar management tools that rely on screen capturing or automated input simulation, Blenny uses native macOS APIs for a more secure and stable integration. Compared to manual organization, it provides a systematic, zone-based model with undo/redo, which is far more reliable and less tedious than dragging icons while holding the Command key.
2. Key Innovation: The "Reef" concept of temporary, session-based revelation is a novel approach. Instead of toggling icons on/off permanently or using a second bar, clicking the Blenny icon initiates a timed "reveal session" where Reef apps become visible, then automatically recede. This mimics the natural, just-in-time accessibility of utilities without permanent screen occupancy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Blenny safe to use, and why does it need permissions? Blenny is open-source (Apache-2.0), allowing code inspection. It requires "Device Control" permission (part of Accessibility/Input Monitoring) to programmatically rearrange menu bar icons. Crucially, it does not require Screen Recording permission, meaning it cannot log or observe your screen activity, making it a more privacy-respecting choice.
2. Does Blenny work on Intel Macs or macOS Sonoma/Ventura? No. Blenny is specifically compiled for macOS 27 (or later) on Apple silicon Macs. It utilizes APIs and optimizations for this specific platform and does not have versions for macOS 26, earlier versions, or Intel-based architecture.
3. How do I update or uninstall Blenny safely? Updates are managed via the built-in Sparkle updater (Check for Updates in settings). To uninstall: first complete or recover any pending change, click "Stop" in Blenny to release control, disable "Open at Login," quit the app, and then move it to Trash. Detailed steps are in the official recovery and uninstall guide on GitHub.
4. What happens to system menu bar items like the Clock or Control Center? Certain system items (Clock, Siri, Time Machine, Control Center, the overflow arrow) are managed exclusively by macOS and cannot be moved or hidden by Blenny. Note that while Blenny is active, clicking the clock may not open Notification Center; use a trackpad swipe from the right edge instead.
5. Can I use Blenny with multiple monitors or display configurations? The core functionality is designed for the primary menu bar. While it may work, the developer notes that display setups beyond the standard single-display Apple silicon Mac running macOS 27 have not been formally verified, and behavior on complex multi-monitor setups may be undefined.