Overkill

Overkill runs as a background service on macOS, monitoring the system for launches of iTunes (or any other user‑specified applications) and immediately terminating them to prevent unwanted interruptions. When a user needs to use iTunes, a simple “Pause Overkill” command temporarily disables the killing behavior, allowing the application to run normally. The utility can be configured to include additional programs such as Photos, extending its protective scope beyond iTunes.

The app integrates with the macOS menu bar, supporting both Dark and Light appearance modes, and can be set to start automatically on login. It operates without continuous polling or analytics, relying on a small native codebase that minimizes CPU usage. Installation is straightforward via a downloadable archive or Homebrew cask.

Overkill is distributed under the MIT license, with source code available on GitHub. It builds on earlier projects like noTunes and Overkill‑OSX, offering a lightweight, open‑source solution for users who want to keep certain applications from launching automatically when devices are connected.