Hate the iPhone X 'notch'? There's an app for that.

Download this app to get rid of the 'notch' at the top of your new iPhone X.
 By 
Rachel Kraus
 on 
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Ok "notch"-haters of the world, you win: Apple has approved an app to get rid of the dreaded notch on the iPhone X.

Spotted by The Verge, Axiem Systems' "Notch Remover" app will transform the notch — that pesky rounded black cutout at the top of the iPhone X screen — into a more palatable straight bar that runs across the top of the device. With the app, that bar will appear on the iPhone X's home and lock screens.

The app works by masking the notch, not getting rid of it entirely. It alters the phone's wallpaper, letting the notch blend into the single bar rather than stand out against whatever picture of your dog or latest vacation serves as your wallpaper.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Apple approved the app despite begging users and app creators to embrace the notch.

"Don't mask or call special attention to key display features," Apple advises developers in their interface guidelines for app creators. "Don't attempt to hide the device's rounded corners, sensor housing, or indicator for accessing the Home screen by placing black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. Don't use visual adornments like brackets, bezels, shapes, or instructional text to call special attention to these areas, either."

While many question the purpose of the notch, it's apparently the way the iPhone X assimilates the camera and speaker into the front of the display. But it could also just be a fashion statement too.

Meanwhile, there's also an android app for iPhone X wannabes to add a notch to their non-Apple devices. You do you, android-owners.

So where do you stand? Team notch or nah?

Mashable Image
Rachel Kraus

Rachel Kraus is a Mashable Tech Reporter specializing in health and wellness. She is an LA native, NYU j-school graduate, and writes cultural commentary across the internetz.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Comparing iPhone 17e vs. iPhone 17: Is the new $599 phone good enough?
iphone 17 and 17e on blue background

Score a free Apple iPhone 17e from T-Mobile — how to claim your free iPhone this weekend
the apple iphone 17e in several colorways in a row, overlapping each other in front of a green background

Apple to prioritize iPhone Fold over base iPhone 18 in 2026, report says
iPhone 17 Pro on wooden surface


Gossip app Tea is back — but not on the App Store
screenshot of tea browser login page, with several women crossing their arms

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 4, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!