Mac users are embracing tiny, always-on utilities that sit in the menu bar. The four standout examples—Claude Code Monitor, Session Watcher, Launchie, and ICE—signal a growing niche for persistent helpers that stay out of the way. [1][2][3][4]
• Claude Code Monitor — a macOS menu-bar status monitor that tracks Claude Code in real time: running, done, idle. It’s lightweight, runs in the background, and can fire optional completion notifications. [1]
• Session Watcher — sits in the menu bar to show live token counts and session timers for Claude Code; no setup, clean stats right where you’re working. [2]
• Launchie — Mac OS Launchpad replacement; CMD + K to Open/Close, drag-and-drop to reorder apps, search, and windowed/full-screen mode; the App Store listing is still in review. [3]
• ICE — ICE menu bar app not allowing me to see any apps after Tahoe; the solution mentioned is to download the 0.11.13-dev.2 beta from GitHub. [4]
These micro-tools illustrate a 2025 trend: power users want lean, reliable helpers that live in the background and stay in reach. Expect more launches and tweaks as developers chase this niche.
References
Got tired of constantly checking if Claude Code finished, so I built this menu bar monitor
MacOS menu bar app tracks Claude Code status; sparked comments on open source, features, and potential ChatGPT version ideas ahead.
View sourceJust built a macOS menu bar app for Claude Code users !
Mac session-tracking menu bar app Session Watcher for Claude Code; mixed feedback, pricing talk, App Store plans, alternatives discussed.
View sourceLaunchie V 1.0.4 - Mac OS Launchpad Replacement
Launchie launches Mac launcher replacement; users discuss features, wishlists, and alternatives like Better Touch Tools, requesting sorting, folders, backups soon.
View sourceICE menu bar app not allowing me to see any apps!
Ice menu bar bug after Tahoe upgrade; fixed by beta; discussions of beta releases and ongoing issues.
View source