CleanupBuddy, a utility for locking the keyboard during cleaning, has just released version 2.0 with upgrades that extend its protection to touchscreens and displays. Originally designed to block accidental keystrokes while you clean your Mac’s keyboard, the app now includes a “Lock Touch Screen” feature to prevent touch inputs on supported Macs, plus a “Dim Display” mode for devices without touchscreens. These additions aim to make cleaning safer and more intuitive, whether you have a touchscreen MacBook Pro or a traditional display.
What’s New in Version 2.0
The biggest new feature is the ability to block touch input on supported Macs. When enabled, “Lock Touch Screen” prevents unintended taps or swipes while you clean the display. For Macs without touchscreens, the “Dim Display” option darkens the screen during cleaning sessions so it’s easier to see smudges without accidentally triggering anything.
Another upgrade connects CleanupBuddy to Apple Intelligence for “personalized comments.” After each cleaning session, an animated in-app character offers remarks based on how long you spent cleaning, your key presses, and mouse clicks. These statistics are collected only during cleaning sessions, stored locally on the Mac, and everyone has the option to disable both stat-recording and AI commentary in settings.
CleanupBuddy 2.0 also improves usability in other ways: it temporarily disables Sticky Keys and its Shift-key shortcut while cleaning, so shift-pressing doesn’t inadvertently trigger system shortcuts. And users will notice better clarity in the “Start Cleanup” button, especially if their device has a glass-coated screen (referred to as “Liquid Glass” in the update notes).
Compatibility and Pricing
The new version is priced at $2.99, and requires macOS 14 or later. The AI-powered commentaries need macOS 26 and the Apple Intelligence feature enabled, along with the appropriate models ready to run. All other features work on any Mac that meets the version requirement.
Why this matters: Display damage and accidental input are real frustrations when cleaning tech gear. CleanupBuddy 2.0 addresses a gap—protection for display surfaces—not just keyboards. For users who keep pristine setups, the new display lock and dimming features could prevent both cosmetic damage and accidental data entry.
