AudioPriorityBar

Additional capabilities include per-category ignore, drag-to-reorder, and volume control. The per-category ignore feature allows users to hide a device from either the speaker or headphone category without affecting its presence in the other. For example, a Bluetooth speaker that you never want to use as headphones can be ignored in the headphone list. Drag-to-reorder enables intuitive rearrangement of device priority by dragging the handle or using up/down arrows on hover. Volume control is integrated directly into the menu bar, adjustable via a slider or scroll wheel, with the current volume percentage displayed. These features are all accessible from the compact menu bar popover, maintaining a minimal footprint.

The overall workflow of AudioPriorityBar is straightforward yet powerful. The app launches as a menu bar icon, where it displays the current mode (speakers, headphones, or custom) and volume percentage. Under the hood, it uses CoreAudio to enumerate all audio devices and to listen for device connection and disconnection events. Device UIDs are stored in UserDefaults, ensuring stable priority assignments across reconnects. When a device is removed or added, the app evaluates the highest-priority available device for the active mode and switches to it automatically. Categories are assigned based on a built-in headphone detection list that includes over 80 brand and model keywords, though users can manually adjust a device's category. The app is built entirely with Swift and SwiftUI, providing a native and responsive user interface.

Concrete use cases demonstrate the app's real-world impact. A podcaster who uses an external USB microphone and headphones can set the microphone's paired output as highest priority for headphones, so it auto-switches when the microphone is plugged in. A developer who frequently switches between built-in speakers and a Bluetooth headset can prioritize the headset, and the app will handle the transition automatically while they stay focused on code. In a shared workspace scenario, a user can set a conference room speaker as the highest priority for speakers, and the app will activate it whenever the user's Mac connects to that speaker via Bluetooth. When troubleshooting audio issues, the Custom mode allows temporary manual selection without disrupting the priority list. The outcome is a consistent, hassle-free audio experience that adapts to the user's environment.

The target audience includes macOS power users, audio engineers, podcasters, streamers, video editors, and developers who require reliable and automatic audio device management. The app requires macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or later and is built using Swift, SwiftUI, and CoreAudio. It is open source under the MIT license, available via GitHub for self-building or downloading pre-built binaries from the Releases page. The project has received 670 stars and is actively maintained by contributors. AudioPriorityBar's primary value rests in its automatic audio device switching: it removes the friction of manual device selection, allowing users to focus on their work while the app silently ensures the best audio output is always active.