Which MacBook has a touch bar? All you need to know
The MacBook Touch Bar is a thin and touch-sensitive strip located on top of the keyboard of certain MacBook models, designed to replace traditional function keys with customizable controls.
Introduced in 2016, the Touch Bar offers context-specific options, allowing users to interact with their MacBook in new ways, such as adjusting the brightness, the volume or quickly accessing functions of applications such as Safari, Mail and Photoshop.
If you are curious about which MacBooks have Touch Bar, what it does and whether it is still relevant, this article will answer all your questions.
Which MacBook models have Touch Bar?
The Touch Bar was first introduced with the MacBook Pro line in 2016. Over the years, it was available in the following models:
The Touch Bar was present in most of the MacBook Pro models between 2016 and 2020. However, it is important to take into account that the 13 inches MacBook Pro models without Touch Bar also existed as basic version in some years. In 2021, Apple began to gradually eliminate the Touch Bar with the introduction of new 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, which do not include it.
Why did Apple eliminate the touch bar?
Many users and critics of technology had mixed opinions about the Touch Bar. While some found it innovative and useful, others felt it was not necessary, especially in comparison to traditional function keys. Apple's decision to gradually eliminate the Touch Bar with the redesign of the MacBook Pro 2021 was largely influenced by user comments. Apple recovered a row of physical function keys, aimed at professionals who prefer tactile controls.
Is the touch bar still available?
Starting in 2024, Apple may not offer new MacBooks with Touch Bar. The MacBook Pro 2021 models reintroduced the traditional function keys, marking the end of the Touch Bar. However, the older models of MacBook Pro with Touch Bar are still available in the used and refurbished markets.
What can you do with the touch bar?
The Touch Bar is highly customizable and changes depending on the application you are using. These are some common features:
- System controls: adjust the brightness and volume of the screen or access the multimedia playback controls.
- Application-specific actions: In applications such as Safari, Mail or Final Cut Pro, the touch bar shows context-specific actions. For example, you can switch between tabs in Safari, move through videos in Final Cut or send emails with one touch in Mail.
- Emoji selector: easily access emojis while typing in applications such as Messages or Email.
- Touch ID: The Touch Bar MacBook Pro models also include a Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button, which allows session starts and secure payments through Apple Pay.
What MacBook users want to know about the Touch Bar:
1. Is the Touch Bar worth it?
Depend on your usage. If you work with applications that benefit from personalized controls (for example, video editing, photo editing, coding), the touch bar can prove useful. However, many users prefer the traditional function keys for their simplicity.
2. Can I deactivate the Touch Bar?
Yes, you can customize or disable the Touch Bar via System Preferences > Keyboard. You can also configure the Touch Bar to show traditional function keys or application-specific tools.
3. Can I update my MacBook to include the Touch Bar?
No, the Touch Bar is a hardware function, so it is only available in the MacBook Pro models designed with it. If your MacBook doesn't come with a Touch Bar, you won't be able to add it later.
4. Does the Touch Bar drain the battery the fastest?
The Touch Bar consumes some energy, but Apple designed it to be energy efficient. If you're concerned about battery life, you probably won't notice a significant difference between models with or without Touch Bar.
5. How to capture the Touch Bar screen?
You can take a screenshot of the Touch Bar by pressing Shift + Command + 6. This will save an image of what is shown on the Touch Bar on your desktop.
6. Can you break the Touch Bar?
Like any other screen, the Touch Bar can suffer physical damages or failures of software functioning, although these cases are less frequent. If your Touch Bar stops responding, a reboot or a system update may resolve the problem. In cases of physical damage, Apple offers repair services.
7. How to restart the Touch Bar?
If the touch bar stops responding, you can restore it by typing the following command in the Terminal:
sudo pkill TouchBarServer Alternatively, restarting your MacBook should resolve any temporary problems with the touch bar.
8. Can I customize the Touch Bar?
Yes, you can customize the buttons and functions that appear in the Touch Bar for different applications through System Preferences > Keyboard > Customize Touch Bar.
Q. What are the alternatives to the touch bar?
In the latest MacBook Pro models, Apple has opted for a more traditional configuration, replacing the Touch Bar with physical function keys. These newer models work with the M1 and M2 chips and offer improved performance and battery life.
If you prefer tactile buttons or rarely use the touch bar functions, these newer models may be a better option for you.
Conclusion: Is the touch bar suitable for you?
The Touch Bar is a unique and innovative feature, but its attractiveness is subjective. For creative professionals who use applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro, context-specific controls can improve productivity. However, for general users, the traditional function keys may prove more practical.
Although Apple has gradually eliminated the Touch Bar in newer models, you can still find it in older MacBook Pros and, for some users, it is still a much-appreciated feature.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q. Which MacBook models have Touch Bar?
The Touch Bar is available in the MacBook Pro models from 2016 to 2020, including the 13, 15 and 16 inch models.
Q. Is the Touch Bar discontinued?
Yes, Apple eliminated the Touch Bar in its MacBook Pro 2021 and later models, recovering the physical function keys.
Q. Can I add the Touch Bar to my MacBook actually?
No, the Touch Bar is a hardware feature that can't be added to a MacBook that doesn't have it yet.
Q. Is the Touch Bar useful for video editors or graphics designers?
Yes, many creative professionals find the Touch Bar useful because of its customizable statuses in applications such as Final Cut Pro and Adobe Creative Suite.
Q. How to solve a touch bar that does not respond?
You can try to restore the Touch Bar via the Terminal using the command sudo pkill TouchBarServer or restarting your MacBook.