MacBook's Private Function Tracks Display Fold Angle and Plays Music

Apple's MacBook has a built-in feature to identify its screen location, achieved through sensor technology. A savvy programmer has recently unearthed a covert API linked to this functionality.

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2025 September 18 . 2:40 AM

1 min read

MacBook's Built-in Feature Tracks Laptop's Screen Fold and Plays Tunes

MacBook's Private Function Tracks Display Fold Angle and Plays Music

In a groundbreaking development, software developer Sam Gold has created an open-source project that allows users to read data from the Lid Angle Sensor in current MacBook models. This sensor, which determines the angle at which the display lid is currently open, was previously inaccessible to developers.

Gold's project, detailed in demonstrations available on c't 3003, our website, and Peertube, showcases various applications of this sensor. He has successfully emulated a squeaky door and built a virtual theremin, demonstrating the sensor's versatility.

The project is compatible with Apple Silicon MacBooks, including M4, M2, and M3 models, as well as MacBook Air machines with Apple Silicon (from M2). However, there are reported issues with M1 devices, although the reason for these problems remains unclear.

Past repair workshops struggled with calibrating the lid-angle sensor, but the specific repair shops in question are not specified in the search results. It's worth noting that if a sensor is installed as a replacement part, it needs to be calibrated to function correctly.

The current sensor was introduced in the 2019 MacBook Pro 16-inch, and its use has been a significant concern for independent repair shops due to the potential for damage or breakage of the flex cable bundle connecting the screen to the main board from excessive use of certain applications.

Gold's project provides a valuable tool for developers and repair shops alike, offering a new level of insight into the workings of current MacBook models. For more information, or to access the project's code, visit Gold's GitHub page.