Apple introduced the Touch Bar as a replacement for physical keys on the MacBook Pro seven years ago. However, the feature received mixed consumer reviews, many deeming it unnecessary. Consequently, Apple gradually began to remove the Touch Bar and reintroduce physical keys.
Now, Apple plans to discontinue older MacBook Pro models equipped with the Touch Bar. On October 30 (local time), MacRumors, a media outlet specializing in Apple news, reported that the 13-inch MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar was removed from the official Apple online store. This product was the latest model equipped with a Touch Bar. Although there was no official statement from Apple, the circumstances suggest that this signifies the discontinuation of the Touch Bar MacBook.
The innovative control key Touch Bar… but received mixed reviews
A standard keyboard typically has an ESC and physical function keys (F1~F12) at the top. However, some MacBook Pro models replaced these with a multi-touch input device called the Touch Bar. The thin OLED Touch Bar, mounted at the top of the keyboard, recognized user touches and displayed customized controls for specific apps.
In October 2016, Apple launched the first 13-inch MacBook Pro model with a Touch Bar. Initially, Apple touted the Touch Bar as an innovative and groundbreaking interface.
However, MacBooks equipped with the Touch Bar received mixed reviews among consumers. While some users preferred the Touch Bar over the traditional keys, most did not. Many users opted not to use the Touch Bar for various reasons, such as discomfort or unfamiliarity with its operation.
Matt Elliott, a senior editor at IT specialist media CNET, described his experience with a MacBook Pro equipped with a Touch Bar as highly inconvenient. Simple tasks like adjusting the volume or screen brightness did not execute with a simple touch; instead, he had to tap and slide longer. At times, the Touch Bar at the top would flash while entering keys in a specific app, which was a distraction.
From gradual removal to discontinuation of the last model
Eventually, Apple began to remove the Touch Bar from the MacBook Pro in stages from 2021 in response to these reviews. There was not a single software update for the Touch Bar feature. The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models without a Touch Bar were replaced with physical keys.
At the launch of the MacBook Pro without a Touch Bar, Greg Joswiak, Apple’s Global Marketing Director, explained that the decision was made for pro users who prefer the familiar and tactile feel of physical keys, and he was pleased to bring back the physical keys.
Now, Apple seems to be planning to discontinue even the last Touch Bar model released in July last year. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar featured Apple’s M2 chip and maintained the same design as its predecessor, only offering a Touch Bar. As there were no significant changes, many consumers did not purchase the product.
The model is no longer available in the product listings of Apple’s official online store. Although there was no official statement from Apple, many foreign media outlets reported discontinuing the MacBook Pro models equipped with a Touch Bar.
However, refurbished MacBook Pros equipped with a Touch Bar are still available. Apple is still selling these products in the refurbished product listings on the official Apple website. Refurbished products have been returned due to initial defects or a simple change of mind/dissatisfaction by the purchaser but are resold after meeting strict quality standards. When purchasing a refurbished product, a discount of up to 15% is applied.
Even the latest models did not have a Touch Bar
The new MacBook Pro / Apple
The MacBook Pro announced at the Scary Fast online event on October 31 did not have a Touch Bar. The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, among the new products, were equipped with Apple’s new M3 chip.
IT media outlet TheVerge analyzed that based on the discontinuation of the Touch Bar and the launch of the new MacBook Pro, Apple is prioritizing product performance over the current MacBook design. The M3 chip mounted on the new MacBook Pro is up to twice as fast as its predecessor, the M2 chip, and significantly improved battery life, greatly enhancing performance. Compared to the MacBook Pro equipped with the M1 series, the speed has improved by up to 60%.
By. Choi Hyun Jung
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