We found out how much Apple users miss the Touch Bar on MacBooks

In 2016, we saw a major redesign of the MacBook Pro. They suddenly lost practically all of their connectors, which were replaced by universal USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, thanks to which the entire device could become even thinner. However, this was not the only change. At that time, the higher series received a novelty in the form of the so-called Touch Bar (later also the basic models). It was a touchpad replacing the strip of function keys on the keyboard, the options of which changed depending on the application running. By default, the Touch Bar could be used to change the brightness or volume, in the case of programs, then for easier work (for example, in Photoshop to set the range of the effect, in Final Cut Pro to move on the timeline, etc.).

Although the Touch Bar at first glance appears to be a great attraction and a great change, it did not gain such great popularity. Quite the contrary. It often faced a lot of criticism from apple growers, and it wasn't exactly used twice. Apple therefore decided to take a significant step forward. When introducing the next redesigned MacBook Pro, which came in 2021 in a version with a 14″ and 16″ screen, the giant pleasantly surprised everyone by removing it and returning to traditional functional keys. Therefore, a rather interesting question is offered. Do Apple users miss the Touch Bar, or did Apple really do the right thing by removing it?

The Touch Bar can be customized with apps

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Some lack it, most don't

The same question was also asked by users on the Reddit social network, specifically in the community of MacBook Pro users (r/macbookpro), and received 343 responses. Although this is not a particularly large sample, especially considering that the Mac user community numbers 100 million active users, it still gives us an interesting insight into this whole situation. Specifically, 86 respondents said that they miss the Touch Bar, while the remaining 257 people do not. Practically three quarters of respondents do not miss the Touch Bar, while only one quarter would welcome it back.

Touch Bar during a FaceTime call

At the same time, it is necessary to take into account that people who voted for and against the Touch Bar are not necessarily its opponents. Some may just be bigger fans of physical keys, others may not have a practical use for this touchpad, and still others may struggle with known issues that the Touch Bar was responsible for. Its removal cannot be unequivocally characterized as, let's say, a "catastrophic change", but as a good step forward, acknowledging one's own mistake and learning from it. How do you view the Touch Bar? Do you think this addition is appropriate, or was it a complete waste on Apple's part?

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Discussion of the article

[Silly]

When I was deciding on a new Pročko this year, the choice was clear. In terms of design, they changed to weird boxes and the touchbar disappeared, so the 2020 version :-D

[Peter p]

Well So you got it :))

[martin]

so it was a real mistake.. I have a 14" and a top machine..