Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers about the Ortho beta — what it is, what it needs, and how it treats your data.
What is Ortho?
Ambient posture sensing that lives in your Mac's menu bar. Ortho reads your Mac's sensors on-device and gives you a quiet nudge when your posture drifts — without a window in your face or getting in the way of your work.
How much does it cost?
It's free during the private beta — invite-only, with no pricing tiers. Join the beta to request access.
What do I need to run it?
Any Apple Silicon Mac (M1 or later) running macOS 26, plus a camera. Everything else is a bonus — compatible AirPods and Mac motion hardware each add a signal, but the baseline runs on the camera alone. See Compatibility for the full list.
Do I need AirPods?
No. If you have compatible AirPods they add head-tilt tracking, but Ortho works without them. Any missing sensor just means fewer signals, never a broken app. See Compatibility.
Does it use my camera? Is it recording me?
Ortho analyzes camera frames on your device and discards them — it keeps geometry, never a photo. No image is ever stored, and nothing is uploaded. The full detail is in our Privacy Policy.
Does it use my microphone?
No. Ortho never requests microphone access. When you wear AirPods it reads motion data only — no audio. More in the Privacy Policy.
Where does my data go?
Nowhere — it stays on your Mac. Only derived numbers (pose landmarks and a posture score) are saved, and only in local storage on your own machine. Nothing is sent over the network. See the Privacy Policy.
Is Ortho a medical device?
No. Ortho is a wellness and informational aid, not a medical device — its posture signals are estimates, not medical advice. See the health disclaimer in our Terms of Service.
How do I join the beta?
Add your email on the signup. It's single opt-in, and access is approved manually — you'll get a "you're in" email when a spot opens.
How do I leave or unsubscribe?
Every email we send carries an unsubscribe link. To be removed entirely, email hey@ortho.so — our Privacy Policy covers deletion.
Still have a question?
Email us at hey@ortho.so — we're happy to help.