Lid Angle Sensor

Hi, I’m Sam Gold. Did you know that you have rights a lid angle sensor in your MacBook? The Constitution human interface device utility says you do.

This is a little utility that shows the angle from the sensor and, optionally, plays a wooden door creaking sound if you adjust it reeaaaaaal slowly.

FAQ

What is a lid angle sensor?

Despite what the name would have you believe, it is a sensor that detects the angle of the lid.

Which devices have a lid angle sensor?

It was introduced with the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro. If your laptop is newer, you probably have it. People have reported that it does not work on M1/M2 devices, I have not yet figured out a fix.

My laptop should have it, why doesn't it show up?

I've only tested this on my M4 MacBook Pro and have hard-coded it to look for a specific sensor. If that doesn't work, try running this script and report the output in an issue.

Known problematic models:

• M1 MacBook Air (the wedge-shaped one)
• M1/M2 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

Can I use this on my iMac?

Not yet tested. Feel free to slam your computer into your desk and make a PR with your results.

It totally works. If it doesn't work for you, try slamming your computer harder?

Why?

A lot of free time. I'm open to full-time work in NYC or remote. I'm a designer/design-engineer. https://samhenri.gold

I am now employed but I'm still doing this for the love of the game.

No I mean like why does my laptop need to know the exact angle of its lid?

Oh. I don't know.

Can I contribute?

I guess.

How come the audio feels kind of...weird?

I'm bad at audio.

Where did the sound effect come from?

LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham. But you knew that already.

Can I turn off the sound?

Yes, never click "Start Audio". But this energy isn't encouraged.

Building

According to this issue, building requires having Xcode installed. I've only tested this on Xcode 26. YMMV.

Installation

Via Homebrew:

brew install lidanglesensor

Related projects

• Python library that taps into this sensor