Layout
compact mode in the notch vs the menu bar
The menu bar is always there; compact mode in NotNotch is glanceable and then gone. The open notch can shrink to a player-first panel without a tab bar.
Last updated 2025-07-26
When the notch is better
Use compact mode in the notch when you want a short live view without another icon in the menu bar.
When the menu bar stays
NotNotch does not hide Control Center or system extras. compact mode complements them.