macOS alarm works when Mac sleeps

Description and use

Matuta makes macOS alarms reliable when the Mac is asleep by scheduling early wake, managing audio output, and handling permissions.

Problem

macOS Clock alarm does not ring if Mac is asleep; users must disable automatic sleep to hear alarm.

Outcome

Matuta enables macOS alarms to ring reliably when the Mac is asleep by scheduling early wake, managing audio output, handling permissions, and providing diagnostics, all without requiring automatic sleep to be disabled.

Workflow

• Schedule wake event 2 minutes before alarm using IOPMSchedulePowerEvent
• Ensure Mac wakes early and holds power assertion until alarm time
• At alarm time, force audio output to built‑in speakers, unmute, raise volume
• If source is Spotify/Apple Music, request Automation permission via AEDeterminePermissionToAutomateTarget; if app not running, skip permission check
• Play user‑selected tone or fallback backup tone concurrently
• Provide pre‑sleep diagnostics and one‑click fixes for common issues
• Allow language switching via key‑based localization
• Build and distribute via Developer ID signing and notarization
• Install by dragging app into Applications folder

Evidence

macOS has an alarm in the Clock app since Ventura. I found out the hard way that it doesn't ring once the Mac goes to sleep.

Source

The workaround the internet offers is "turn off automatic sleep." That isn't a workaround.

Source

Matuta works in three layers: Before you sleep, At alarm time, Underneath

Source