Cue

Cue is a free macOS app that turns your AirPods into a focus switch. When you put your AirPods in, your Mac automatically enters Focus mode, blocks distracting sites, and starts a timer in the notch. Taking them out signals break time and unblocks your sites. The notch also shows now-playing info, volume and brightness controls, session history, and animated characters that react to your activity. Cue runs locally, is private, and requires macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon.

Cue offers a lightweight, free way for busy founders and makers to build focus habits without extra friction. By tying focus mode to something founders already do—putting in AirPods—it removes the manual effort of starting timers and blocking distractions, helping small teams protect deep work time.