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AirBuddy 3 launches for Mac with Action HUD, Now Playing, and more than 150 new features

AirBuddy 3 is now available for Mac with a redesigned Action HUD, Now Playing widgets, deeper automation, and a more reliable Magic Handoff, according to 9to5Mac.

AI News Feed · 2026-08-18 06:47

The redesigned Action HUD can be positioned anywhere along the top of the screen and toggled between large and small layouts. Users can customize which information it displays, including battery alerts. On MacBook models with a notch, supported events can also appear in a compact interface integrated with the camera housing.

Now Playing is one of the release's biggest additions, letting users see artwork and playback information and control media from the desktop, Lock Screen, Action HUD, or macOS widgets. The Now Playing widget is based on a custom implementation that supports layered depth effects, color-matched designs, and recent-content suggestions when nothing is playing. It can be summoned on demand with a global keyboard shortcut.

AirBuddy 3 also significantly expands automation capabilities. AppleScript can now inspect device and battery information, audio routes, listening and Spatial Audio modes, and trigger actions such as connecting or disconnecting Bluetooth devices, toggling Audio Input Lock, opening the Dashboard, or starting a Magic Handoff transfer. Shortcuts support has been expanded with actions for activating, deactivating, or adjusting system features such as Dark Mode, True Tone, Night Shift, display brightness, Spatial Audio, paired Bluetooth devices, and Magic Handoff. Focus Filters can prevent AirPods, Now Playing, and Battery Alert HUDs from appearing while a selected Focus is active.

A new feature called Audio Input Lock keeps the Mac using the microphone or input device chosen by the user, rather than switching unexpectedly. Users can pick up to two preferred audio inputs, and AirBuddy will ensure one of them remains selected while the feature is enabled. It can be toggled via a global keyboard shortcut or Shortcuts action, with an optional Action HUD notification when a change is blocked.

Among dozens of under-the-hood improvements, AirBuddy 3 introduces a new mobile-device engine that more reliably keeps battery and charging information for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch up to date while reducing background CPU and power usage.

AirBuddy 3 requires macOS 14 or later and is available today for $20 for new purchases, with free or discounted upgrades for existing AirBuddy 2 users depending on when they bought it. It will also be available soon as an update on Setapp.