Will the touch bar ever come back?

MAC1904 wrote:

I believe Mac users must have the choice of purchasing a new Mac with or without it!

A few people may still want it but Apple is under no obligation to provide it if they don't feel it's good business.

I truly hope Apple will bring the Touch Bar back, on devices having the same look and design of formers MacBook Pro’s, or include it on new MacBook (SE), the same as iPhone SE, featuring the Home Button…

Have you told Apple that?

Product Feedback - Apple

<< most of us who are reading don't particularly care what you decide to buy. >>

I agree, But that is not because we are insensitive, but because Readers here are helpless to change the situation for you. We can make the computer you want appear out of thin air.

Apple "movers and shakers" do not participate HERE, they are too busy reading Product Feedback posts:

Product Feedback - Apple

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I feel your pain regarding the Touch Bar, as I used it quite often on my 2016 MBP. I've since moved on to a 2023 15" MBA, which doesn't have one. Once in a while I miss it, but I'm slowly getting over it.

While none of us here can speak for Apple, as only Apple knows the reason for leaving it off new Macs, I can guess some of Apple's reasons:

• Added cost (when compared to standard function keys)
• Software developer support wasn't as universal as Apple had hoped when it was first introduced.
• The most frequently used Touch Bar keys (for me) were the volume keys, which are standard function bar keys (though not as polished as the Touch Bar keys)
• For quite a few users, the Touch Bar required some input changes. (And, although everyone wants progress, nobody seems to want change).

My guess, though, is the added cost was the primary driver of Apple's decision.

Just to be pedantic. Apple stopped calling them "laptops" quite some time ago, as did other manufactures. They don't recommend you use them on your lap because the device won't be properly ventilated and can heat up, thus causing...discomfort... in sensitive areas.

LOL...as long as we're being pedantic here...

Perhaps the other manufacturers stopped calling them laptops some ago...but these brands apparently did not get this imperitive consumer safety warning:

• Acer
• Lenova
• HP
• Microsoft
• Dell
• LG

(The above brands all used the word "laptop" either in a product's title or product description. I quit looking after I saw these...all on one website, bhphotovideo.com). I'm sure there are plenty of other brands the could have been added to this list.)

Oh, and BTW...it's not me who asked the initial question. As I mentioned earlier, I'm past that with my new 15" MBA...but I do miss the Touchbar.

The thing is, we even don't know if Apple has permanently abandoned the Touchbar because there has been no communication whatsoever. Not a single word.

<<. it would be even nicer, if a MacBook would come with whole Touch keyboard. >>

the iPad can do that for you, either as a stand-alone device or as a Mac peripheral.

... please bring back the touch bar!! I refuse to upgrade to the new mac book pro without it. :(

Indeed, would love Apple to continue its innovations in future editions of MacBook Pro.

Bring back the Touch Bar. I’m interested in getting a new Mac with a Touch Bar. If not, I’ll just stick with the one I’m having rn.

The Touchbar Macs were the highest-spec models, so they didn't sell as much as lower-spec models like MacBook Airs. That's always been the case even now. What's frustrating is Apple's utter silence on the matter, quietly removing the Touchbar without so much as an announcement and lack of communication on its status.

I'm really curious how those who love the Touchbar actually use it. I can see some very small very specific use cases for some limited number of apps where the Touchbar could be highly useful, but for the majority of macOS apps out there I have never seen the Touchbar have any added benefit.

I really would like to know & understand exactly how people who like the Touchbar use it to improve their use of the laptop and their workflow.

HWTech wrote:

I'm really curious how those who love the Touchbar actually use it. I can see some very small very specific use cases for some limited number of apps where the Touchbar could be highly useful, but for the majority of macOS apps out there I have never seen the Touchbar have any added benefit.

I really would like to know & understand exactly how people who like the Touchbar use it to improve their use of the laptop and their workflow.

I liked it. Available options changed depending on context, which I always appreciate. But, I've found I haven't missed it much since I bought my newer MBA.

refusenick wrote:

The thing is, we even don't know if Apple has permanently abandoned the Touchbar because there has been no communication whatsoever. Not a single word.

In other words, Apple continues to behave as Apple always has.

Bitsie wrote:

Maybe you need a box of crayons instead. Everyone has their own taste profile I personally love having the touchbar so kindly chill out and be more respectful

How is offering an alternative suggestion not "respectful"? Also, perhaps practice what you preach.

MacMikeInOK wrote:

• I feel your pain regarding the Touch Bar, as I used it quite often on my 2016 MBP. I've since moved on to a 2023 15" MBA, which doesn't have one. Once in a while I miss it, but I'm slowly getting over it.

While none of us here can speak for Apple, as only Apple knows the reason for leaving it off new Macs, I can guess some of Apple's reasons:

Added cost (when compared to standard function keys)

• Software developer support wasn't as universal as Apple had hoped when it was first introduced.

• The most frequently used Touch Bar keys (for me) were the volume keys, which are standard function bar keys (though not as polished as the Touch Bar keys)

• For quite a few users, the Touch Bar required some input changes. (And, although everyone wants progress, nobody seems to want change).

My guess, though, is the added cost was the primary driver of Apple's decision.

I think there was also the issue of the added cost of repair if it failed. I think there were customers who didn't like that.

It's always sad when a very cool feature like that doesn't catch on. I was heartbroken when Jobs discontinued the Newton. But, a few years went by and there was the iPhone. And, after another few years, the iPhone was as cool as the Newton.