A: Not necessarily. Pirated versions of Bartender 3 often altered build numbers, but 3146 matches an official internal build. That said, downloading Bartender 3 from unofficial sources in 2021 was risky. Verify your copy’s signature: codesign -dv /Applications/Bartender\ 3.app .
| Year | Event | |------|-------| | 2016 | Bartender 3 launched (macOS Sierra compatible) | | 2019 | Bartender 4 announced (full rewrite for macOS Catalina’s notarization requirements) | | 2020 | Bartender 4 released (build 4000+) | | 2021 | Bartender 3 receives security/maintenance update – build 3146 (the “r7 3146 2021” version) | | 2022 | Bartender 3 officially end-of-life | bartender 2016 r7 3146 2021
rm -rf ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/Bartender* As of 2025, Bartender is on version 5 (acquired by Applause in 2024). The current builds have no relation to the “2016 r7 3146” lineage. Upgrading is recommended if you rely on menu bar management on macOS 13+. Comparison Table | Feature | Bartender 3 (build 3146) | Bartender 5 | |---------|--------------------------|-------------| | macOS Support | 10.12 – 12.x | 11 – 14.x (Sequoia) | | Apple Silicon Native | No (Intel) | Yes | | Notarized | No (expired) | Yes | | Menu Bar Search | No | Yes | | Triggers / Scripts | Limited | Full | 7. Common User Questions Q: Why does my crash report show “bartender 2016 r7 3146 2021” when I’m using Bartender 5? A: This is likely a cached string from an old preference file or a dylib left over from an in-place upgrade. Use a clean uninstall (see Step 2 above) and reinstall Bartender 5. A: Not necessarily
However, for users who encounter this exact string in their macOS system logs, crash reports, or legacy application installers, this article will deconstruct what this string likely represents , why you might be seeing it, and how to handle it if you are running Bartender on macOS. If you have performed a Spotlight search, dug into your ~/Library/Preferences/ folder, or examined a Time Machine backup from the last few years, you may have stumbled across the curious string: "bartender 2016 r7 3146 2021" . This is not a typo, nor is it a virus. It is a fragmented timestamp of one of the most transitional periods in the popular macOS menu bar management tool's history. Upgrading is recommended if you rely on menu
It is important to clarify upfront that in any public release note, changelog, or official documentation from the makers of Bartender (Surtees Studios, now acquired by Applause).
A: No. Surtees Studios stopped selling Bartender 3 licenses in early 2022. Current sales are for Bartender 5 only (14-day free trial available). Final Verdict The string “bartender 2016 r7 3146 2021” is a historical artifact – a snapshot of a beloved Mac utility during a transitional era. It represents Bartender 3, originally copyrighted in 2016, receiving its seventh minor revision and built in 2021 to extend its life. While harmless, it has no place on a modern Mac.
If you have this version installed, treat it as a relic: uninstall it properly, then move to Bartender 5 or an open-source alternative like or Ice . Your menu bar – and your system security – will thank you.